Last spring SEFCU created Heroes Landing, a place of respite for healthcare workers on the front line of COVID-19.

Tiffany Orner’s reason for giving back is simple. She wants to become the person that she needed at one time in her life. As a U.S. military veteran, she remembers when she was in a dark place in her life and needed someone to give her support and hope.

The spirit of giving back is something that was instilled in Sue as a young child. Sue’s mother never knew her birth parents, but that didn’t stop her and Sue’s father from providing a loving home to many children.

Benita Zahn is a familiar face for many Capital Region residents as an evening anchor and health reporter for WNYT, but the work she does behind the scenes is just as important as what she does on camera.

When Mary first donated blood as a 17-year-old she learned that she had a rare blood type, and the only one that can be given to infants or children in intensive care or during surgeries.

In 2011 Anthony Mayers came to the City Mission of Schenectady with plans to stay for a 30-day visit, but what happened was so much more. He was struggling with life and needed some help, love, and guidance.

Although she joined SEFCU a little more than a year ago, it didn’t take Leah Lamoureux long to become involved in SEFCU’s community and volunteer activities.

2017, Carli O’Hara launched Real Kids Wear Pink (RKWP), a non-profit created with the goal of engaging other students in fundraising and philanthropy and raising funds and aw

As a retired United States Air Force Flight Medic and volunteer EMT, James Welch has a long history of helping others, but it wasn’t until he watched a series on Facebook called “Returning the Favor” that he realized how he could give back.

When Jillian joined SEFCU three and a half years ago, she remembers learning about SEFCU’s commitment to volunteerism and the community.

Although Nick Liporace is employed full time by the American Cancer Society (ACS), his passion and commitment to give back to the community goes way beyond a 40-hour work week.
 

The importance of volunteering is something that was instilled in James Murynec by his parents as a youngster, and has spent more than 20 years donating time around the holidays to The Santa Claus Club where he wraps presents, planned and prepared routes for gift delivery, and

It’s hard for Aimee Moore to pinpoint her favorite volunteer memory, but most recently she participated in Stand to Honor, an event that was part of SEFCU’s Operation Fitness that raises money and awareness for fallen soldiers.

For Stephanie Hadcock volunteering has always been part of who she is.

Most members know Chris McNeil as the Member Service Leader of SEFCU’s Amsterdam branch, but you may not know he is also skilled with using power tools and he’s been putting those skills to good use helping to renovate a number of spaces at non-profits throughout the areas SEFCU

From a young age Mark Yonally learned the importance of giving back.

After Hurricane Sandy ravaged New York City in 2012, SEFCU employee volunteers boarded a bus to help with cleanup efforts.

As a retired United States Marine, determination and dedication are a few words you could use to describe Albert Roman, Jr., affectionately called Vinny by his friends and family.

After moving to the Buffalo area more than 25 years ago, Ramon met a co-worker named Marylou Borowiak (who happens to be a former Why I Care recipient).

When Steve Oliver joined the Navy in 1980 he pledged to serve and honor his country. While he is no longer considered active military, he still plays a major role in his community, recently retiring so he could pursue his passion of helping veterans full time.

If dedication to the community could be measured in miles, SEFCU’s Contracts Administrator, Kirsten LeBlanc, would certainly be at the top of the list.

At the age of six, Tim’s son Ben was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of childhood cancer.

Chad readily admits that much of what happens in life is beyond our control. But, he believes that by volunteering your time you can control where and how you make a difference in the lives of others.

Tracie recalls being a seventh grade student when one of her teachers started a Social Action Club. At that point in her life she hadn’t volunteered, but her involvement with the club opened her eyes to what it meant to be a giver, not just a receiver.

As a young child Rebbeca (Becky) was raised to be grateful for what she had and learned that not everyone was as fortunate as she. Now, as an adult, she continues to share that message with her three young children, serving as an example of what it means to give back.

Nearly 20 years ago SEFCU member Dave Falso turned his love of the Christmas season into a fundraiser that would benefit children battling life-threatening illnesses.

It should come as no surprise that Stephen Shea was voted “Most Generous” in his senior class in high school and 10 years later he continues to give his time and talent to make a difference.

It should come as no surprise that Stephen Shea was voted “Most Generous” in his senior class in high school and 10 years later he continues to give his time and talent to make a difference.

Carrie Farley wears a badge of honor that she never asked for and certainly didn’t want. She is a member of American Gold Star Mothers, an organization that supports mothers who have lost a son or daughter while serving our country.

Even as a college student, Ben Oevering realized the impact of giving back through volunteerism. He recalls a time when he was building homes in Mexico for the homeless and remembers how grateful families were to have new, clean spaces to live.

While the Director of Development and Marketing at YWCA-GCR is a full-time, paid position Malissa Pilette-McClenon says it often feels more like volunteering.

Several years ago Heather had the opportunity to ride the Marine Corps Toys for Tots train which makes stops throughout New York State, distributing coats, hats, blankets, and toys to recipients along the way.

Even though Linda Salomons had been raised in a family that frequently volunteered their time, she said it didn’t become her passion until her four-year-old son, Eric, was diagnosed with childhood leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant from his twin brother.

About 10 years ago after losing her mother, Chrisann Kohlhepp began searching for something “more” in her life. She knew there had to be a way she could make a difference and give back.

As a freshmen in high school Katharine Colliton started volunteering at a nursing home as part of a “pay it forward” project assignment for English class.

A SEFCU employee for nearly 12 years, Jerry Shaul is always ready to answer the volunteer call, being especially supportive of SEFCU-sponsored events and causes.

Like so many, Sonia wanted to make a difference in the lives  of others, but wasn’t sure where to start.

Before becoming president and CEO of the Food Bank of Western New York, Marylou Borowiak served on its Board of Directors for 12 years, and is proud to be the only female executive director to have led the Food Bank.

Most children look forward to their birthday for months leading up to the big day, but Fazana Saleem-Ismail was aware that this experience was likely different for children whose families are homeless and/or struggling to make ends meet.

Angela Consolo grew up in a family with a passion to give back, so you might say volunteering is in her blood.

Everyone has a story – that’s true – but  few are as remarkable as Steah Htoo’s,  a Burmese refugee who has not only  found her place in the United States, but  is committed to help others make the  transition, too.

As a former “little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program, Mark Duffy, SEFCU’s senior marketing coordinator, knows firsthand how a volunteer can change a life. When asked about the impact he thought his volunteerism had on others he said, “It’s just the opposite.

Eight years ago when Dawn Martin’s son, Shawn, a U.S. Marine, was killed while serving in Iraq, she began looking for a purpose and a way to honor Shawn’s memory, a young man who was well known for his strong hugs.

SEFCU Business Banking Officer Shane Rauh learned the importance of giving back at an early age from his mom. She believed the idea of showing someone you care is as simple as giving them your time – by volunteering, checking in on someone, or just holding a door.

Although her volunteer résumé spans just a few years, Jen Page, client manager for Capital District Physicians Health Plan, has made the most of her opportunities, giving her time to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (BBBS), the American Heart Association, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeles

For some people a compassionate heart and the desire to help others is simply part of who they are.