Credit union celebrates its Vermont roots by giving back to organizations making a difference in communities across the state
802 Credit Union is celebrating 8/02 Day by giving back to the communities that make the 802 special. In recognition of the annual celebration, 802 Credit Union locations across Vermont have each selected a local nonprofit or community organization to receive an $802 donation.
The initiative celebrates both the 802 Credit Union brand and its deep connection to the communities it serves. Each location was invited to choose an organization or cause that is meaningful to its local community, putting the decisions directly in the hands of the employees who live, work and serve members there.
“802 is more than our name. It represents where we live, where we work, and the communities we are proud to serve,” said Stacey Benoit, Chief Operating Officer at 802 Credit Union. “802 Day gives us another opportunity to celebrate that connection by putting support directly into the hands of organizations doing meaningful work in our communities. Our teams know their communities well, and we wanted them to choose organizations and causes that matter locally.”
This year’s $802 community donations, spanning Vermont from north to south, include:
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- Barre — Amy’s Armoire: Supporting Vermont foster, adoptive and kinship children and families by connecting caregivers with clothing, resources and other assistance designed to help children thrive in stable homes.
- Bellows Falls — Our Place Community Food Center: Providing food and other essential support to individuals and families in the Bellows Falls area.
- Bethel — Village for Paws: Dedicated to rescuing dogs from overcrowded shelters and helping them find safe, loving homes.
- Brattleboro — Women’s Freedom Center: For more than 50 years, the Women’s Freedom Center has provided free, confidential support and advocacy for survivors of domestic and sexual violence throughout the community.
- Brattleboro Operations Building — Windham County Safe Place: A child advocacy center and special investigations unit. It provides free support, forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy to child and adult survivors of physical and sexual abuse, serving the Windham County community.
- Putney — Putney Community Supper: Providing free, welcoming community meals that bring neighbors together while helping ensure everyone has access to a warm meal and a place to connect.
- Randolph — Randolph Fish & Game Club: One of Vermont’s longstanding active fish and game clubs, with a focus on hunter safety education and introducing younger generations to outdoor sporting traditions.
- Rochester — Park House: Providing affordable assisted living in Rochester, primarily serving adults age 60 and older and helping residents remain connected to their community.
- South Burlington — Step Out VT: Providing programs for women facing significant barriers to employment, including challenges related to incarceration, addiction and mental health. Its programs focus on recovery, wellness and helping women build a path forward.
- Springfield — Springfield Town Library: Serving the Springfield community as a resource for learning, literacy, information and connection.
- Townshend — Rescue Inc.: Providing lifesaving emergency medical services with compassionate, professional care to communities throughout the region.
- White River Junction — High Horses Therapeutic Riding Program: Based in Sharon, High Horses provides therapeutic services for youth and adults experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges and disabilities, as well as services for veterans and first responders.
- Windsor — Windsor Food Shelf: Helping address food insecurity and providing an important local resource for individuals and families in the Windsor community.
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Together, these donations represent $10,426 invested directly into Vermont organizations and reflect the diverse needs of the communities 802 Credit Union serves, including food security, emergency services, youth and families, older adults, animal welfare, education and support for vulnerable individuals.
“Community is at the heart of who we are as a credit union,” Benoit added. “These organizations show up for our neighbors every day. We are proud to recognize their work, support their missions and celebrate 802 Day alongside the communities we call home.”
802 Day is an annual celebration of 802 Credit Union’s Vermont roots and its commitment to its members, employees and communities. Throughout the year, the credit union supports local nonprofits, community organizations, events and initiatives as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities its members and employees call home.