STCU has committed to a $56,000 investment in Almira School District as part of its recovery from a devastating 2021 fire.
[december 22, 2022]
In an agreement with the school district, STCU will cover full costs of an external reader board and two gymnasium scoreboards at the rebuilt Almira Elementary and Middle School.
STCU supports 3 rural WA communities
STCU has delivered donations to three non-profits providing cultural opportunities and economic benefits to communities where the credit union has branch locations.
- $10,000 to Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site in Republic
- $5,000 to Woodland Productions, which operates the historic Woodland Theatre in Kettle Falls.
- $5,000 to Okanogan Valley Orchestra and Chorus in Omak.
“We’re so grateful that STCU is continuing CDFCU’s tradition of generous support to Stonerose,” said Mary Rourke, Friends of Stonerose board president. “People from all over the Northwest come to Republic to discover the joy of finding 49 million-year-old fossils in our quarry, and experience hands-on science education.”
The building, which is set to open in September 2023, is a replacement for the 80-year-old school that burned on October 9, 2021.
Immediately following the fire, school districts, agencies, nonprofits and individuals rushed to respond. Within days, donated Chromebook laptops were distributed to students, who initially turned to remote learning, before moving into temporary classrooms furnished with donated desks and worktables. STCU was one of many organizations that donated to a fund established by Innovia Foundation, and provided gift cards to help school staff purchase supplies they’d need.
“First, we were stunned by the crisis, with students removed from their beloved school just a month into the academic year,” said Ezra Eckhardt, STCU President and CEO. “Then, we were awed by the community response.”
“The response to this challenge by so many individuals and organizations sets an example for Almira students about the importance of community and teamwork,” said Almira School District Superintendent Dan Read. “We’re grateful that STCU has stepped up to meet this specific need, helping make our students feel more at home in their new school.”
About STCU
STCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative with more than 265,000 members, who embrace our brand promise: “Here for good.” We have 38 branch locations throughout Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Tri-Cities, and north-central Washington. That includes three branch locations within a 30-mile radius of Almira, and others in Republic, Kettle Falls and Omak.