CVFCU Spreads Warmth and Support

CVFCU is lifting up the community this season with youth programs, food support, and holiday giving.

This holiday season, Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union (CVFCU) has been pouring time, creativity, and compassion into a number of community projects, each one aimed at lifting up local families and celebrating culture, connection, and care.

One of the highlights this year was Sewing Night, a special class series designed for youth ages 12–18. CVFCU sponsored the program and opened it to any young person in the community, regardless of credit union membership. With the help of a local fabric shop, participants were able to pick out their own materials to create either a ribbon skirt or vest.

Beyond learning basic sewing skills, participants also had the chance to hear from two speakers about the cultural meaning behind these garments. CVFCU’s community outreach officer, along with a local artist who earns a living making traditional pieces, also shared insight into turning creative work into a future business.

​As the holiday season approached, CVFCU also saw growing concern around food insecurity, especially with uncertainty surrounding November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits). Instead of asking the community for donations during an already financially strained time, the credit union chose to take direct action. With guidance from the state SNAP office and strong support from a local grocery store, CVFCU purchased large quantities of pantry staples and assembled 80 grocery packs, each containing roughly $50 worth of food. Employees spent two full days packing the bags so full, in fact, that each kit needed two bags and assembled 40 hygiene packs for women. When distribution opened the Monday before Thanksgiving, the response was immediate, and every bag was given out by noon on Wednesday. 
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The spirit of giving continues into December. CVFCU is currently wrapping gifts for an Adopt a Grandparent Program, an effort supported by donations from the credit union and many generous community members. These gifts will be delivered to residents in three local assisted living centers on Christmas Day, adding a little joy and connection for elders who may otherwise feel isolated during the holidays.

In addition, the credit union is running its annual gift-wrapping fundraiser, offering wrapping services for a freewill donation. All supplies are provided at the office, and every dollar collected is donated to the local food pantry another way CVFCU keeps the focus on neighbors helping neighbors.

Through creativity, compassion, and hands-on involvement, CVFCU is making a meaningful impact during a season when kindness matters most.

Coteau Valley Federal Credit Union was founded as a federally chartered credit union in November of 1950. The initial field of membership was to include any local famers that belonged to the Farmers Union Cooperative Association in Sisseton, SD. Today our charter has expanded to include any one who lives, works, or worships within Roberts County, SD, as well as, immediate family members of a current CVFCU member. ​