Over the last several weeks, we sponsored multiple charitable projects to support relief efforts for the tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee on March 3. Employees raised $5,200 and donated blood, while the credit union gave 750 pairs of Bombas socks to those in need.

Beginning March 6, Ascend hosted collection days every Friday and Saturday throughout the month, during which employees were invited to donate money to support victims of the devastating tornadoes. For a donation of at least $5, employees could dress in blue jeans as an additional incentive. The $5,200 raised was divided equally among The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund and the Cookeville-Putnam County Tornado Relief Fund.

The credit union also hosted an employee blood drive at its 520 Airpark Drive corporate headquarters to support the Blood Assurance facilities in Putnam and Davidson Counties, two areas greatly affected by the storms.

“Middle Tennessee is Ascend’s home, and when it hurts, we hurt with it,” said Caren Gabriel, president and CEO of Ascend. “It’s especially important for us to support our neighbors in their time of need. I’m very proud to be part of an organization where the employees value contributing to our community when it needs it most.”