EUGENE, Ore. – First Interstate Bank made a significant impact by closing all branches across 14 states on Wednesday to engage in community service.
The closure on Sept. 10 allowed 3,500 employees to participate in the bank’s eighth annual ‘Volunteer Day.’
In Eugene, employees dedicated their time to FOOD for Lane County. They helped prepare meals for meal sites and dining rooms that serve the unhoused communities in Eugene and Springfield.
“I think it’s important that we give back to our communities so many people depend on food for Lane County and other organizations within our communities,” said Gretchen York, a First Interstate Bank volunteer. “And I think it’s important that we all do our part to help.”
Volunteer Day began in 2018 as part of the bank’s 50th anniversary celebration. This initiative continues to support local nonprofits, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to community service.
“For me the biggest thing about being a volunteer is helping give back to the community that helped give back to me,” said Alex Whitlow, another First Interstate Bank volunteer. “When I was a kid, I grew up in a small town, I loved watching the community take care of itself and take care of each other and so for me being able to do something like this is just continuing to do the same thing as when I was a kid.”
The efforts of First Interstate Bank and its employees highlight the importance of community engagement and support for local nonprofits.