Pictured from left: MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union's VP of Marketing Abbey Sprague and Branch Manager April Johnson; Dahn Kennedy, Taylor Park Military Memorial fundraiser; Director of Business Services Amy Lang and Member Service Representative Jeremy Rickard, both with MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Editor’s note: This story will print in the Friday, Feb. 21 edition of the North Tama Telegraph.

TRAER – MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union is proud to announce two $1,000 donations to support local initiatives in Traer. The credit union recently contributed to Christian Hands Across Traer (CHAT), a local organization focused on providing food and necessities to those in need, and also to the Taylor Park Veterans Memorial statue fundraiser, helping to honor the sacrifices made by local veterans.

“We are committed to giving back to the communities we serve,” Abbey Sprague, Chair of the Community Giving Committee at MEMBERS1st, said. “These donations reflect our ongoing dedication to supporting organizations that make a positive impact and improve lives within our communities.”

CHAT is a nonprofit group overseen by the Traer Ministerial Association (Methodist Church, St. Luke Lutheran Church, St. Paul Catholic Church, Ripley United Congregational Church, United Presbyterian Church) and Christian friends in the Clutier, Buckingham, Dinsdale, Geneseo, and Traer areas. CHAT offers a financial hand to residents in the North Tama County Community School District for emergency situations as well as food pantry services. Those seeking assistance can call CHAT at (319) 269-9867. With the $1,000 donation, CHAT will continue its important work of assisting residents.

The Taylor Park Veterans Memorial statue fundraiser is an effort to construct a lasting tribute to the veterans who have served the country. Funds raised will contribute to the completion of a battlefield cross memorial that will stand as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance for generations to come. Fundraising efforts are still underway, including sales of commemorative bricks. Those interested in learning more can visit The “Hometown Hearts” Project Facebook Page or call (319) 269-2284.

Pictured from left: Steven Rash, representative of St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church; Pastor Mark Keefer, United Methodist Church; Jane Knoop, representative of Ripley United Church of Christ; Rev. Anthony Boahen Nketiah, St. Paul Catholic Church; Pastor Brice Hoyt, United Presbyterian Church; and Branch Manager April Johnson, Director of Business Services Amy Lang, Member Service Representative Jeremy Rickard, all with MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union. SUBMITTED PHOTO

“We’re honored to support both CHAT and the Taylor Park Veterans Memorial Statue,” Sprague added. “These causes are close to our hearts, and we hope our contributions inspire others to support these efforts.”

Concern for Community is a key principle of MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union. In 2024, the credit union supported the construction of a playground at The Pied Piper Daycare in Traer, along with other projects throughout its central-Iowa communities. 

For more information about MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union or to request a donation to a local nonprofit, please visit www.MEMBERS1st.com.