On Wednesday, September 16, First Interstate Bank employees across its ten‑state footprint gathered for the bank’s ninth annual Volunteer Day, a community‑service tradition that began in 2018 as part of the company’s 50th‑anniversary celebration. Branches and offices in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming closed at noon so staff could join local projects tailored to each area’s needs.
Volunteer projects reflect local priorities
Participants tackled a wide range of tasks, from stocking food banks and cleaning parks to supporting nonprofit outreach and assisting schools. In Sheridan County, volunteers helped sort donations for a regional food pantry, while teams in Montana organized a neighborhood cleanup of a popular trail. In Iowa, bank employees spent the afternoon tutoring elementary‑school students, and in Washington state they partnered with a local shelter to refurbish sleeping quarters.
Leadership emphasizes community‑first values
“Volunteer Day is one of the clearest reflections of who we are as an organization,” said Jim Reuter, President and CEO of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. “It showcases the care, teamwork, and community spirit that define First Interstate. The impact is remarkable, but what’s even more meaningful is what those numbers represent: thousands of moments spent strengthening the communities we call home.”
Reuter’s remarks underscore the bank’s long‑standing commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them get to where they want to be—a principle that guides both its business practices and its charitable outreach.
Numbers illustrate a growing tradition
This year’s effort resulted in nearly 400 completed service projects, a figure that demonstrates the program’s growth since its inception. The volunteer day has become a cornerstone of First Interstate’s community‑engagement strategy, reinforcing the bank’s belief that strong neighborhoods are built on active, caring citizens.
Looking ahead
First Interstate Bank plans to continue expanding Volunteer Day, encouraging more employees to participate and inviting additional nonprofit partners to join the effort. The bank’s website offers details on upcoming volunteer opportunities and highlights stories from past events, inviting the broader public to learn how they can contribute to local causes.
By turning a half‑day off into hands‑on service, First Interstate Bank employees not only support immediate needs but also model a spirit of stewardship that aligns with the values of families, faith communities and individual liberty that many of our readers hold dear.
Original reporting: Sheridan Media (Sheridan WY) — read the source article.
