As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Goldenwest Credit Union is much more than an assemblage of buildings that provide money-saving financial services. During my two years at Goldenwest, I have come to understand that for our members, past and present employees, and the local community, Goldenwest is a family.

Recently, members of our staff learned that former employee's new daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. I was touched as I observed my co-workers come together with boxes of canned goods for a food drive to benefit his family. In this moment we were not only taking care of a former employee, but also his wife and children; we were united in a cause that had little do with our actual "jobs" as credit union employees. This experience left me grateful once again to belong to an organization where people come first.

This family attitude is quite prevalent during the annual "Golden Tree" throughout the month of December. For the past 14 years each December, Goldenwest has partnered with Weber Human Services to provide needed winter clothing and Christmas gifts for 25 families in the Ogden area. Each child's wish list items are represented by ornaments on the Christmas trees displayed in Goldenwest branches from Brigham City to Kaysville. Members of the community and employees take the ornaments from the trees, purchase the gifts, and return items unwrapped to the branches. But the fun does not stop there. To round out this tradition, Goldenwest employees and their families are invited to the corporate center to gift wrap hundreds of gifts, decorate cookies, and take pictures with Santa. I have noticed that for the many children of Goldenwest employees, this is one of the most exciting experiences of the Christmas Season. Not only does the credit union facilitate a wonderful charitable campaign, but it also brings families together to celebrate the season in a meaningful way.

During the busy holidays, it easy to forget what truly matters. I am proud to say that my employer does not look past what is most important. These two events have demonstrated to me that Goldenwest's mission statement has true meaning..."our members and employees are everything, without them nothing else matters." We are more than dozens of buildings that provide money-saving solutions; we are a family that cares about each other.

Author: Shalie Reich

About the author: Shalie Reich is the outbound sales team lead for Goldenwest Credit Union. Shalie has her Bachelor's Degree from Weber State University and has worked at the Credit Union for over two years.