In addition to their job responsibilities, Advia Credit Union employees delivered more than 600 toys to six Salvation Army sites. The toys were donated by members and employees through Angel Trees located in the lobbies of the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based credit union's 24 branches in Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois.

More than 60 Advia employees volunteered more than 300 hours at Salvation Army Toy Towns, bagging and stocking toys and helping parents choose just the right bike, game, doll or Star Wars Legos set. “We have been helping out at the Salvation Army for the past week or so,” Teller Kristi Heacock said. “I just like giving back.” Breanne Miller, a member services specialist, agreed.

“It's such an amazing cause,” she said. “You can give a family Christmas.”

This year the $1 billion Advia introduced as ACTION (Advancing Community Ties in Our Neighborhoods) Volunteer program that encouraged employees to take paid time off from work to volunteer at charities of their choice. The credit union committed 8,500 paid hours for full and part time employees to support community organizations each year.

The new volunteer program was embraced by Advia employees.

“I like spending time with co-workers to benefit the community. It speaks to one of our core values of building and strengthening relationships,” Marketing Administrator Joli Hensley said. “At Advia we have a tradition of giving back to our community. Everyone benefits!”

Instant Insights /

Advia Supports Salvation Army

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