MANCHESTER, NH (February 23, 2021) — St. Mary’s Bank, the nation’s first credit union, recently honored several employees for their volunteerism efforts at a virtual ceremony presided over by President and CEO Ron Covey.
“I’m always impressed by our employees’ tremendous commitment to our community,” said Covey. “They went above and beyond again this year, volunteering over 2500 hours to make a difference at 97 organizations, including Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester, YMCA of Greater Nashua, The Webster House, The NH Food Bank, The Salvation Army, Nashua Police Athletic League and many more.”
During the online event, Covey gave out awards for volunteer-hour milestones.
Shirley Bhutto was recognized as the first St. Mary’s Bank employee ever to hit and exceed the 300-hour mark, volunteering a total of 307 hours. Bhutto spent the majority of her time (210 hours) managing a crisis text line for individuals experiencing mental health issues. She also led a crochet club of 20 St. Mary’s Bank employees who together logged 319 of the credit union’s 2020 volunteer hours making and donating hats for newborns and lapghans for seniors.
Volunteers making the 100-hour plus milestone club this year included Kathleen Stevens, Elizabeth Stodolski, Martin Wendt, Jake Powers, Lorinda Gilbert, and Ken Senus. St. Mary’s Bank donated $100 on behalf of each employee to a non-profit organization of his or her choice.
Covey acknowledged that total volunteer time during 2020 was lower than 2019 because COVID-19 led many organizations where St. Mary’s Bank employees regularly volunteer to postpone or cancel events and activities. “Our employees found many ways to give back in 2020, most of it on their personal time,” said Covey. “I’m very proud of their continued dedication.”
Photo Caption: Shirley Bhutto, Director of ERM and Compliance has completed more than 300+ hours of volunteer service in 2020. Shirley has influenced additional hours through introducing and leading the Crochet Club.
About St. Mary’s Bank
St. Mary’s Bank is a full-service, not-for-profit financial cooperative with branch locations in Manchester, Hudson, Londonderry, Milford, and Nashua and dedicated mortgage centers in Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth. Founded as the nation’s first credit union in Manchester in 1908 and still headquartered there today, St. Mary’s Bank emphasizes a long tradition of service excellence, convenience, and value in its delivery of progressive banking products and services that help members save, invest, borrow, plan, insure, and retire.