When Altra Federal Credit Union in Onalaska, Wis., held its inaugural "Altra Gives Back Day" in October, it closed all of its offices and member contact centers as employees participated in a variety of community volunteer activities.

“Altra strives to make an impact in each of the communities we serve, and one way that we achieve that is employee volunteerism,” says Jack Peplinski, president/CEO of the $1.4 billion asset credit union. “This year we wanted to make a large impact, and a day of service does just that.”

Nearly 400 employees volunteered at more than 30 organizations.

Employees taught financial literacy, worked in community gardens, assisted at food shelters, aided agencies that serve at-risk and special needs children, supported animal shelters, socialized with area seniors, and assisted with home construction.

Altra chose Oct. 8 because it’s a federal holiday (Columbus Day), when many financial institutions are closed.