SPARTA, Mich., — ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank have recognized the donations ChoiceOne employees have made this year. Through an employee Jean Day program, multiple donations are made to local nonprofits throughout the year and at yearend.
"Many companies offer blue-jean Fridays; however, ChoiceOne's Jean Day program is different. Our employees commit to supporting our local nonprofits whether they wear blue jeans or not, on the designated Friday, and they have the donation regularly withdrawn from their paychecks," said ChoiceOne President Michael Burke, Jr. "This is a pledge our employees choose to make. I am incredibly proud of them and the commitment they make to our customers and the communities we serve. They continue to amaze me with the compassionate and generous spirits they bring to our Bank every day."
ChoiceOne employees initiated a Jean Day program years ago to raise money for local nonprofits. Employees make biweekly donations to the Jean Day fund which allows them to wear jeans to work on designated Fridays. Surveys are sent to the employees to gage their interest in supporting different causes and organizations. As the money is collected throughout the year, it is distributed to local nonprofits selected by the employees. Most of the nonprofits are selected because one or more employees are volunteers with a particular organization in their community.
"Most of our employees have opted into our Jean Day program held on Fridays, allowing them to wear blue jeans to work," explains Vice President, Treasury Management Officer Carrie Olson, also the Chair of the Nonprofit Committee responsible for the Jean Day fund. "We collect the money through voluntary paycheck deductions so it's easy to donate. Employees complete a survey selecting the causes and organizations to consider for donations. The Committee reviews the surveys and determines the nonprofits to support and the amount available to distribute to the selected nonprofits. We strive to use these funds to support local nonprofits, so our money stays in our communities, just like the Bank lends out locally. Our Jean Day has created a fun and worthy opportunity for ChoiceOne employees to support our local nonprofits."
