From left to right: Lisa Moates (Senior Loan Officer/Insurance Specialist), Nicole Andrino (Marketing Specialist), Kay Wood (Volunteer and Winner of Pay it Forward Prize), Mike Christian (VP of Human Resources), and Nikki Black (Mortgage Loan Manager)
Bowater Credit Union Member Kay Woods has won the $1,000 Pay it Forward prize for her favorite non-profit doing good in our area, the Hiwassee Outreach Program.
Bowater Credit Union asks its members to nominate their favorite non-profit helping people in the counties eligible for credit union membership: Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk. Up to five $1,000 prizes are awarded each year and the Hiwassee Outreach Program is the third winner of 2024.
The Hiwassee Outreach Program was established in September of 2023 by local community member Jamie Scoggins. They provide a pantry and a clothing closet for the residents of Charleston and Calhoun. They currently provide food for 18-25 families a month. With the addition of board members, the Hiwassee Outreach program was able to create another pillar named the Handyman Program. This program provides minor home repairs, handrail installation, handicap ramps, yard work, and firewood to the elderly and disabled individuals.
Their vision is to expand and provide services to the surrounding counties that need help. Kay Woods stated, “This couldn’t have come at a better time!” The Hiawassee Outreach Program is also looking for a bigger space for the pantry/store. With the money, they can cover the cost of materials for housework and continue to supply families with food.
To learn more about the Hiwassee Outreach Program, volunteer, or make a donation visit their website at https://hiwasseeoutreach.org/.
The Pay it Forward program will continue throughout 2024 and will award up to two more prizes. Any member of Bowater Credit Union can nominate their favorite non-profit for a $1,000 Pay It Forward prize. The deadline to be considered for the next prize is November 30th, 2024.
Bowater Credit Union began the Pay It Forward program in 2010 to give back to the community it serves. Since the program’s inception, Bowater CU has given $58,000 to various charities making a difference in our community. For more information, visit BowaterECU.org.
Bowater Employees Credit Union is a federally insured credit union offering savings, checking, loans, and financial education to those who live, work, or attend school in the counties of Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk. They have four branches, over 19,000 members, and $250 million in assets. To learn more about Bowater Employees Credit Union and its services, call 423-336-7268 or visit BowaterECU.org.
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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview please call Kelsey O’Daniel at 423-303-5615 or email her at [email protected].