In a national campaign, Northeast Community Credit Union placed second with 36,000 community votes, winning $10,000 for Assistance Resource Ministry (ARM) of Carter County.
“This lets us know that we’re definitely loved and supported,” said Nikki Jones, executive director of ARM. “I think our community is very caring, and they want us to be able to do more for the less fortunate in the community, and that makes us feel good.”
NCCU’s team of employees created a video that showcased its efforts to better the community. In October, November and December, community members could vote once daily for NCCU to win either $10,000 or the grand prize of $25,000 for a local non-profit organization.
Krista Ducharm, national business consultant with CU Solutions Group, said NCCU claimed 12 percent of the votes cast nationally in its category, in which 70 videos were submitted. They were only 400 votes away from winning the grand prize, but Ducharm assured that they will host the competition again next year, and that with enough community support, ARM will have a shot at winning it next year.
Jones said receiving a donation of this size is rare and extremely appreciated. ARM is the largest and most used source of food, clothing and utility assistance in Carter County, said Tim Ross, chairman of the board of directors for ARM.
Additionally, it provides food for both adults and children, backpacks, shoes, and packages for the homeless which include food and toiletries. All of these services are the reason why Kathy Campbell, president and CEO of NCCU, said she selected ARM as their recipient non-profit organization.
For this, ARM representatives were immensely grateful.
“This ministry has been blessed with great volunteers, kind gifts of food and monetary assistance and help from various agencies,” Ross said.
This money came at a good time, as ARM representatives recently learned that the agency will lose more than $10,000 in 2016 from one of its primary funding sources. For this reason, ARM continues to be in need of assistance from both individuals and businesses, whether they want to make monetary or food donations, or to volunteer time by picking up food from donors.
Those interested in volunteering or contributing in other capacities are encouraged to call Jones at 423-542-0919 or to visit the office at 714 W. C St. in Elizabethton.