Veterans United Home Loans employees give $1.35 million to charities during nationwide Week of Giving campaign

February 12, 2018

COLUMBIA, Mo. Over the course of seven months, employees from Veterans United Home Loans gave $1.35 million to 135 different charitable organizations throughout the country during the Week of Giving campaign.

Beginning in San Antonio, Texas and concluding in Clarksville, Tennessee, this is the first year the Veterans United Foundation took the campaign nationwide. Employees from Veterans United in 27 cities surprised five local charities in each community with $10,000. From animal shelters and food banks to nonprofits and projects dedicated to helping Veterans get back on their feet, the recipient organizations were selected by the employees who work in each community.

"Private donations, like the one received from the Veterans United Foundation, allows us to provide housing for homeless Veterans and extend the services we offer to Veterans beyond those that we're able to provide from federal grants alone," said Willie Celestine, the Clarksville manager of Operation Stand Down. Operation Stand Down provides food and clothing for Veterans, helps them find employment and even makes sure Veterans with small children have what they need. Every dime that was donated to our organization will go right back to helping the Veterans.

In addition to Operation Stand Down, the foundation gave donations to these Clarksville area charities: F.U.E.L. Program, Humane Society of Clarksville, St. Jude's Research Hospital and Manna Ca© Ministries.

"Giving back to those in need is at the core of our foundation's mission, and taking the Week of Giving on the road has allowed us to enhance lives throughout the country," said Greg Steinhoff, executive director of Veterans United Foundation. "Seeing and hearing the reactions of those who received donations served as a heart-warming reminder to what we strive toward each day at Veterans United."

With more than 90 percent of Veterans United employees donating at least one percent of their paychecks to the foundation, more than $40 million has been raised since its founding in 2011.

"We are so grateful for the generous support of Veterans United. The donation will go a long way in helping to eliminate Veteran homelessness in our community," said Chris Stout, CEO and co-founder of the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City.

Other Kansas City area charities that received donations include: Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Kansas City, Rose Brooks Center, Harvesters and KC Pet Project.

In addition to giving money to charitable organizations, the foundation also provides financial assistance to Veterans and their families. In 2017, Veterans United was recognized as No. 3 on the 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back list by Great Place to Work® and Fortune and No. 3 on People Magazine's first ever "50 Companies That Care" list, jointly chosen by People and Great Place to Work®.