TUCSON, ARIZONA (October 14, 2024) – With a steadfast commitment to community and service, Vantage West Credit Union put business on hold on October 14 and brought all employees together for a full day of volunteering.

The credit union’s All-Team Volunteer Day brought more than 480 team members together to dedicate over 3,840 total hours of service to a wide range of causes, ensuring that no corner of the community was left untouched.

Throughout the day, Vantage West employees made their presence felt in some of the places that needed it most— creating care kits with essential items for youth experiencing homelessness to getting their hands dirty with farm chores like compost management and weeding gardens to make a real difference in fighting hunger in our community.

Every project, no matter the size, reflected the unwavering mission of the credit union: investing in people today for a more prosperous tomorrow.

“This day wasn’t about us. It was about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our neighbors and showing up for them in the way that only a community united by shared values can,” said Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, President and CEO of Vantage West. “We’re a partner, a friend, and a champion for those who call Arizona home.”

The All-Team Volunteer Day stretched far beyond Arizona, as even out-of-state employees joined in. From small, personal interactions to large-scale community efforts, every moment of the day served to build connections and deliver hope.

Stories of Impact from the Day

• Supporting the Next Generation: Volunteers partnered with Youth On Their Own to assemble backpacks filled with essential items, ensuring that students experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to stay in school and succeed.

• Building Homes and Hope: Alongside Habitat for Humanity Tucson, volunteers helped construct affordable housing for families in need, helping lay the foundation for brighter futures.

• Feeding the Community: At Felicia’s Farm, volunteers tended to crops and harvested fresh produce, helping provide fresh, healthy options to families struggling with food insecurity.

Through these collective acts of service, Vantage West demonstrated that when we come together, we can achieve the extraordinary. As branches remained closed for business, the real value exchanged wasn’t monetary, but found in shared smiles, kind words, and a strengthened sense of community.

About Vantage West Credit Union
Vantage West is one of the largest credit unions in Arizona. Established in 1955 to serve personnel at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the credit union has expanded to serve Members in Pima, Pinal, Maricopa, and Cochise Counties. Vantage West offers consumer and business banking services and is federally insured by NCUA. For locations and additional information visit www.VantageWest.org.

About Youth on Their Own

Youth On Their Own (YOTO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness in Pima County. Founded in 1986, YOTO has provided financial assistance, basic human needs, guidance, and support to over 20,000 local youth. Their mission is to eliminate barriers to education and empower housing-insecure youth to stay in school, graduate, and become self-sufficient. For more information, visit www.yoto.org.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Tucson builds homes, communities, and hope by providing affordable housing solutions to families in Southern Arizona. Since 1980, they have constructed nearly 500 homes with the support of over 12,000 volunteers, empowering families to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership. For more detailed information, visit www.habitattucson.org.

About Felicia’s Farm

Felicia’s Farm grows naturally and donates 100% of its naturally grown vegetable and egg production to organizations serving people struggling with food insecurity. Recipients include individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income families, veterans, elderly residents, and others in need. The organization’s mission is to provide fresh, nutritious food and to support those most in need in the Tucson, South Tucson, and Marana communities. For more information, please visit www.feliciasfarm.org.