First Interstate Bank will close branches for ninth annual Volunteer Day

Bend, Ore. (KTVZ) --- First Interstate Bank will close all of its branches at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 16, to host its ninth annual Volunteer Day. Nearly 400 community service projects are planned across the company's 10-state footprint.

The companywide initiative provides thousands of employees paid time off during the afternoon to volunteer for local nonprofits, schools and community programs. Participating projects span communities in Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Mo., Mont., Neb., Ore., S.D., Wash. and Wyoming.

Volunteer Day began in 2018 as part of the bank's 50th anniversary celebration. Headquartered in Billings, Mont., First Interstate operates nearly 300 offices. The company's corporate philanthropy program includes matching employees' personal financial contributions and donating $10 per hour for volunteer work conducted at qualifying organizations.

Jim Reuter serves as president and chief executive officer of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. He emphasized the initiative's focus on direct community involvement.

“Volunteer Day is one of the many ways we invest in the communities that support us every day,” Reuter said. “By stepping outside the workplace and into our neighborhoods, our employees build meaningful connections and help make a difference where it matters most.”

In Bend and Redmond, Ore., 100 local bank employees will participate in 13 service projects for area nonprofits. Volunteers will partner with the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council on garbage removal and non-native plant removal. Other activities include completing exterior landscaping at the Heart of Oregon Corps campus, sewing blankets for HeartWarmers, building a display for Healing Reins and making blankets for patients at St. Charles Health System.

Bank branches across the 10 states will close at noon local time on Wednesday, Sept. 16, with employee volunteer projects taking place throughout the afternoon.