Marian Sikes, United 1st Member Service Center Manager, led the contingent of employees who served the dinner to the cancer survivors of Charlton County. There were well over one hundred survivors and their families in attendance and the staff of the Folkston Member Service Center was kept busy the evening of April 15, 2008. The dinner was to recognize the cancer survivors and to start the American Cancer Society’s “Relay For Life” in Charlton County.

Employees from United 1st have been instrumental in the Survivors’ Dinner for many years. Community service is an important aspect of the credit union movement and, as the only credit union in Charlton County, United 1st personifies that movement. According to Ed Walker, Director of Business Development for United 1st, “Sometimes we get so hung up on having the lowest loan interest rates that we neglect to publicize the really positive things our staff does. Marian Sikes, Collien Collins, Victoria Todd, and Nikki Edwards are a tremendous asset to our credit union and to Folkston. Shelly Wymer from Camden County helped with the serving and our staff photographer, Ann Walker, took pictures for the event. Credit Unions have always given back to the communities they serve and this is just one example.”

In addition to serving the meals to the survivors, United 1st also donated a beautiful basket as one of the items for a drawing. The basket was done by Faith Brown from the Information Systems Department of United 1st. Faith called it her “relaxation basket” because it contained a relaxation cd, a candle, bubble bath, bath oil, and back scratchers as well as a towel and a cup. The basket was won by Barbara Chesser.

Barbara Chesser winner of "relaxation basket".

Marian Sikes serving dinner to cancer survivors.