CUs in the News

From community recognition to school supply drives, Dakota credit unions continue putting People Helping People into action, building stronger communities and making a meaningful difference for members, families, and educators.

CUs in the News is a spotlight series celebrating the incredible work happening across our Dakota credit unions. From standout promotions and community giveback efforts to innovative programs and member-focused initiatives, this series will showcase how our credit unions live out the “people helping people” philosophy each and every day.

Credit unions have always been about more than financial services. They are built on relationships, rooted in their communities, and driven by a simple philosophy: People Helping People.

Across the Dakotas, that philosophy comes to life every day through the people who give their time, build meaningful partnerships, lend a helping hand, and look for ways to make their communities stronger. This month, we’re highlighting a few of those efforts, from employees being recognized for their community leadership to credit union teams making sure students and teachers have the resources they need to start the school year strong.
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​Dakotaland Federal Credit Union: Community Leadership Recognized
The credit union difference often reaches far beyond the walls of a branch. For two employees at Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, their commitment to building relationships and staying involved in their communities has recently earned them special recognition.

Lane Kessler was recognized by the Mitchell Board of REALTORS® with its 2026 Choice Award, honoring his contributions and involvement within the Mitchell community and real estate industry.

In Aberdeen, Melinda Riley was named Affiliate of the Year by the Aberdeen Area REALTORS® Association, recognizing her involvement and partnership within the local real estate community.

While these awards celebrate individual accomplishments, they also highlight something much bigger: the value of having credit union professionals who are actively engaged in the communities they serve. Strong communities are built through relationships, and employees like Lane and Melinda demonstrate how those relationships can extend beyond the credit union and into the broader communities they call home.

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Town & Country Credit Union: Helping Kids Start the School Year Strong
For Town & Country Credit Union, helping students succeed begins with something simple, making sure they have the tools they need to walk into the classroom ready to learn.

Each year, United Way Cass-Clay hosts a school supply drive with the goal of filling more than 7,000 backpacks for children in the community who may not otherwise have the supplies they need for a successful school year. Town & Country supports that mission by collecting school supply donations at its branches and accepting online contributions.

This year, the effort went beyond collecting donations. A team of 10 Town & Country employees volunteered their time to help United Way Cass-Clay organize the supplies and fill backpacks for students.

For some children, a backpack filled with school supplies may seem like a small thing. But for families facing the rising costs of everyday expenses, having those supplies provided can ease a burden and help a child begin the school year with confidence.
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Through their donations and volunteer efforts, Town & Country employees are helping ensure that thousands of children have the opportunity to start the school year prepared and ready to succeed.

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Western Cooperative Credit Union: A Tradition of People Helping People
At Western Cooperative Credit Union, helping students and teachers prepare for the school year has become much more than an annual project. It has become a tradition.

The WCCU school supply drive has been part of the credit union’s culture since at least 2013, evolving over the years as employees have found new ways to give back. In the past, departments competed to see who could collect the most supplies, with the winning team earning a lunch sponsored by the credit union.

For the past two years, WCCU has taken a different approach. Winfield United has donated backpacks and supplies, while WCCU employees have contributed money to purchase additional items.

This year, employees raised more than $460, which was used to purchase classroom supplies for teachers throughout the Williston Basin School District. The purchases included headphones, disinfectant wipes, storage bags, and dry erase markers, everyday items that can make a meaningful difference in a classroom.

For WCCU, the effort is especially meaningful because employees understand that the cost of a school supply list can be a challenge for families, while teachers frequently spend their own money on supplies for their classrooms.
By stepping up to help, WCCU is supporting both students and educators and putting the cooperative principle of People Helping People into action.


Dakotaland FCU is based in Huron, South Dakota with branch offices in Aberdeen, Brookings, DeSmet, Madison, Mitchell, Redfield, Volga, Watertown, and Woonsocket. Established in 1935, the credit union holds nearly $372.5M in assets and serves more than 32,000 members.

Town & Country Credit Union has been Positively Impacting the communities they serve for 86 years. With 10 convenient locations in North Dakota, over 160 employees and a focus on continual growth, they provide meaningful value to their more than 26,000 members every day. Membership in the credit union is open to anyone living within 75 miles of Minot and 50 miles of Fargo or Kenmare. More information can be found at www.townandcountry.org.

Western Cooperative Credit Union is based in Williston, North Dakota with branches in Dickinson, Hebron, Beach, Ray, and Tioga. Chartered in 1938, the credit union has more than 18,000 members and over $450 million in assets. Their mission is “to maximize member benefits through cost effective financial services, education consistent with cooperative principles, prudent management, and to maintain a strong presence in our communities.” To learn more visit wccu.org. 

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