Season of Caring: Spreading Hope Across Cornerstone
By Jarrod Lamott, YP advisor, chief financial officer, Empower Blue Credit Union
The Credit Union Young Professional (CUYP) Season of Caring is more than a seasonal initiative—it’s a multi-state movement uniting credit union professionals, volunteers, and local organizations across the Cornerstone region.
Though coordinated across five states, Season of Caring focuses on meeting local needs. Credit unions, community leaders, and volunteers identify the most pressing challenges in their areas, from food insecurity in small towns to clothing drives in urban centers.
Each community customizes its efforts—some organize holiday meal deliveries, while others host supply drives for schools or shelters. This localized approach ensures that every hour volunteered and every donation given creates maximum impact where it’s needed most.
The event reaches a diverse mix of communities, many facing persistent economic challenges. The initiative provides direct relief by supplying nonperishable food and essential items to local pantries, coordinating clothing and blanket drives, supporting holiday meal programs to ensure every family enjoys a warm dinner, and partnering with nonprofits and shelters to distribute goods where they’re needed most.
How to Get Involved
Everyone—individuals, families, local businesses, churches, and civic organizations—has a role to play. Ways to participate include:
- Volunteer Time – Help sort, pack, or deliver donations to families and organizations in need.
- Donate Goods or Funds – Contribute food, winter clothing, toys, or monetary gifts.
- Partner With CUYP – Work with CUYP to sponsor events, match donations, or provide logistical support.
- Share the Message – Use social media and word of mouth to encourage others to join in.
By engaging volunteers across multiple states, the event demonstrates how small, localized acts of kindness can add up to a significant regional impact.
- Event Name: CUYP Season of Caring
- Region: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas
- Timing: See the Facebook event page for current dates and local schedules
- Who Should Participate: Anyone with a passion for service—credit union professionals, families, students, and community groups
Building a Culture of Service
As participation continues to grow, CUYP Season of Caring serves as a reminder that regional cooperation and small acts of kindness can create powerful change. Communities across the Cornerstone region will grow stronger when people come together to help one another, and this initiative demonstrates just how far that spirit of caring can go.
We can’t wait to hear how you plan to make an impact. Join the discussion on Facebook to stay updated and find more inspiration on how to get involved.