CASPER, Wyo. — In a display of community commitment, First Interstate Bank in Casper sent 66 of its employees to 11 different organizations across the city on Sept. 13 for its sixth annual Volunteer Day, according to a press release by the bank.
This bank-led initiative saw thousands of its employees across a 14-state area close up shop at noon to help local nonprofit organizations.
From teaching the elderly about scams at retirement communities like Garden Square and Primrose to stocking shelves at the Wyoming Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and Joshua’s Storehouse, volunteers took on a myriad of tasks throughout Casper. Their day of service also extended to building beds with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, aiding the Rescue Mission and even tidying gardens.
Kevin Riley, president and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem Inc., spoke about the bank’s community-focused ethos, emphasizing how the volunteer day “concentrates and magnifies the efforts of our wonderful employees, who give generously to the places where they live and work.”
While the bank’s philanthropic theme for this year highlighted poverty, hunger and homelessness, employees were free to choose projects tailored to the unique needs of their local communities.
This commitment isn’t just limited to one day. As part of its philanthropic philosophy, First Interstate contributes in a multitude of ways year-round. Its programs include “Teach Children to Save” to “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors”.
Through a volunteer match program, the bank pays nonprofits $10/hour for employee volunteer time and even matches employee donations. In the past year, nearly 19,000 hours of volunteer work were logged, resulting in close to $176,000 in employee gift match dollars.
Though branches were closed for this special initiative, clients had access to banking services like ATMs, online banking and the mobile app. Regular services resumed on Sept. 14.
First Interstate Bank’s roots trace back to Billings, Montana, but its footprint spans 14 states.
