Casper, WY – On Wednesday, Sept. 16, First Interstate Bank turned its downtown branch into a hub of service as over 50 employees set aside a half‑day to volunteer with a range of local nonprofits. The effort, now in its fourth year, underscores the bank’s belief that strong families and faith‑based communities thrive when businesses give back.
Hands‑on help for local charities
Employees rolled up their sleeves for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Habitat for Humanity Heart of Wyoming, Meals on Wheels, the Food Bank of Wyoming, Central Wyoming Hospice and several other groups. John Webb, Co‑President of Sleep in Heavenly Peace’s Casper chapter, praised the partnership: “First Interstate has been an excellent sponsor. We would not exist without volunteers or sponsors.”
Jackson Holt, an associate commercial relationship manager, said about sixteen staff members helped build and sand bed frames for children in need. “We’re sanding today, but in past years we’ve assembled the frames that become beds for families,” he explained.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace reports that in three years of service in Natrona County the volunteers have delivered 765 beds to children in Casper, Douglas and Glenrock. Webb recalled a moving moment when a young child thanked a volunteer for his first bed, bringing tears to the adults present.
Building community bonds
Bank staff described the day as a source of pride and fellowship. Holt noted, “It makes you have a little bit of pride in your own community and the place you work for as well.” The volunteers also enjoyed the chance to work alongside neighbors they see daily, saying the experience reinforced the bank’s role as a community partner.
Ali Breck, who helped at Natrona County Meals on Wheels, called the event “huge” and highlighted the value of spending time with coworkers outside the office. “First Interstate is very community driven,” she said, adding that the bank’s employees are eager to serve the people they see every day.
Supporting affordable housing and more
Michael Deal, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Heart of Wyoming, emphasized that the organization relies heavily on volunteer labor. “Most of our homes are constructed using volunteer labor, and when a group like First Interstate shows up, it reminds us that community businesses really care about affordable housing here in Natrona County.”
Adam Booth, Commercial Market President for First Interstate Bank, summed up the day’s purpose: “We live here, right? Anything we can do to give back, to make the community better, that’s what we’re here for.” He added that the bank’s contributions go beyond cash donations, extending to hands‑on work that benefits neighbors.
In addition to the groups already mentioned, volunteers also assisted the Wyoming Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, Central Wyoming Hospice & Transitions, the Casper Amateur Hockey Club, and the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies. More than 50 employees traded in their ties for work gloves, sharing smiles and a sense of purpose throughout the afternoon.
The bank’s Volunteer Day reflects a broader commitment to faith‑centered service, family values and the liberty of individuals to help one another without expectation of reward. As Holt put it, “Take today as an inspiration to maybe do something yourself – whether it’s an hour at a local soup kitchen or a weekend project for a church, the overall impact makes you feel better and makes your community better.”
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
