Dakota West Credit Union Raises Money For Area Students & Educators

This summer, the Dakota West Credit Union Marketing Committee, Watford City, started a program designed to generate funds and school supplies for students and teachers. It's called, Apples for Education, and is a community-wide effort to provide needed supplies and other items in the McKenzie County School District.

"We recognize the needs in the community and for Watford City we wanted to do something to give back to the community. People helping people is something we value as an organization - we are always looking for ways that we can support the community for which we serve and help our members," said Brian Smiset, Chief Marketing Officer at DWCU.

There is a drawing of an apple tree in the DWCU office with apples falling off (artist Kandie Beasley), there is a different item on each apple that someone needs. When an apple is picked, people can take it and purchase that item and bring it back to donate. Some of the items needed are school supplies (listed at DWCU or the Watford City High School website), clothes (See list at DWCU), hygiene items, flash drive, headphones, books for the teacher's classroom, cash and/or gift cards for teachers.

Smiset hopes that this program becomes a staple for the DWCU. He said, "We are trying the best we can to satisfy as much need in our community. Any and all help is always appreciated."

Everyone in the community is welcome to pick an apple from the tree located at DWCU and help a student or teacher in need.