Supporting Local Veterans

​Credit Unions United Chapter is helping to fulfill the immediate needs of veterans by collecting personal care items for the Minot Vet Center. 

The US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates the number of Veterans who experienced homelessness in 2023 exceeded 35,000. Many more veterans live in poverty, and/or have disabilities such as PTSD, substance abuse, and other injuries.
 
That is why the Credit Unions United Chapter, under the leadership of Sandi Widdel, branch manager at North Star Community CU, has once again launched Operation Thank You in multiple Minot area credit union locations for the fourth consecutive year.
 
In 2019, Sandi had the opportunity to become a certified Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE). Part of the certification is to complete a community impact project. As the proud daughter of a U.S. veteran, she launched Operation Thank You to collect personal care items and hygiene products such as shampoo, deodorant, feminine products, toothpaste and toothbrushes, and the like.
 
The first year, the project was a “North Star” only event. The following year, the Credit Unions United Chapter adopted the project, and contributions have grown to an amazing 7,000 items to date. The items are distributed through the Veterans Affairs Office Veterans Affairs Office which in turn offers the items to local homeless veterans and veterans in need.
 
Credit unions involved in the chapter will act as donation sites up to July 15th. Cash Donations are also accepted at North Star Community Credit Union; contact Sandi Widdel with any questions or to make a contribution.
 
Finally, this year, an additional fundraiser, “Dine to Donate” is taking place on July 9th from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Starving Rooster in Minot. On that day, mention “Operation Thank you” and 25 percent of meal proceeds will be donated to the cause!