Chris McNeil, Why I Care Employee Recipient

Most members know Chris McNeil as the Member Service Leader of SEFCU’s Amsterdam branch, but you may not know he is also skilled with using power tools and he’s been putting those skills to good use helping to renovate a number of spaces at non-profits throughout the areas SEFCU serves. As a member of SEFCU’s “Renovate That” volunteer team, he has been instrumental in transforming spaces at schools, gardens, homeless shelters and more.

“When I volunteer for these renovation projects I can see the impact I’m having on the people these organizations serve. The joy on their faces when the new space is revealed is obvious and it’s what keeps me coming back for more,” said McNeil. He recalls a recent project at Arbor Hill Elementary School where a bare-bones room with mismatched furniture was transformed into a cozy reading room, complete with new tables and chairs, comfortable furniture, and was even decorated using the school colors of blue and gold. He remembers teachers and students entering the first time and couldn’t tell who was more excited – the students or the teachers.

In addition to participating on SEFCU’s Renovate That team, he has also volunteered for the Kristy Pollack Christmas Event and participated in a number of SEFCU-sponsored fundraising events including Bowl for Kids’ Sake to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, the SEFCU Monopoly Tournament, and Holiday Adopt-a-Family.