Great Basin Federal Credit Union spent the holiday season doing something simple but far reaching, turning decorated trees in its branches into a steady stream of support for local children and families.
The credit union partnered with Communities in Schools of Western Nevada through the group’s annual Giving Trees program, placing trees in all four Great Basin Federal Credit Union branch locations.
Members, employees and people from the community were invited to choose gift tags and donate items for students served by the nonprofit.
By the end of the drive, the effort filled 240 gift tags, each one tied to a local child. Donations added up to more than 1,500 items and gifts collected across the four branches.
The Giving Trees program also brought in $28,000 in in kind donations and $860.59 in monetary contributions. Credit union employees added to the effort by volunteering 18 hours to wrap gifts and prepare donations for delivery.
“This partnership is a true reflection of what it means to be a community-focused credit union,” said Gerardina Rodriguez, Community Relations Manager at Great Basin FCU. “Seeing our branches come together to support the Giving Trees was incredibly meaningful. Every tag filled represents a child who felt seen, supported, and cared for this holiday season.”
Rodriguez said the impact goes beyond the gifts themselves.
“We are grateful to our members, employees, and community partners who showed up with such generosity. These efforts go beyond gifts. They help create stability, confidence, and hope for students and families across our community,” she said.
Communities in Schools of Western Nevada focuses on surrounding students with support to help them stay in school and succeed. The Giving Trees partnership aligns with Great Basin Federal Credit Union’s broader goal of strengthening the communities it serves.
