NSCCU Commits $100,000 to Sanford Children’s Hospital

North Star Community Credit Union is proud to announce its $100,000 donation to the Micropreemie Unit Project at Sanford Children's Hospital in Fargo, ND, highlighting their commitment to the health and well-being of children in the community. This generous contribution, facilitated through Credit Unions for Kids, reaffirms North Star Community Credit Union's longstanding partnership with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals since 1996.

"We are excited to be a part of the Micropreemie Unit Project in Fargo. This is the largest donation that North Star Community Credit Union has ever made, and it is very fitting that it is in support of these tiny courageous babies and their families." Bob Herrington, North Star Community Credit Union President/CEO

Sanford Children’s Hospital, located in Fargo, boasts a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), providing the most advanced neonatal care for critically ill and fragile babies. The unit serves infants from 22 weeks gestation through 12 months old, drawing patients from across the state. Recognizing the need for specialized care for micropreemies (babies born before 26 weeks and weighing less than 28 ounces) Sanford Children’s Hospital is embarking on an innovative initiative to establish a dedicated Micropreemie Unit within its existing Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

"We are thrilled to support the Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. As a committed partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, we understand the vital role specialized medical care plays in improving outcomes for children and families in our region facing challenging circumstances.” – Kylee Lemieux, North Star Community Credit Union Marketing Manager

The Micropreemie Unit will feature four private patient rooms designed to create a nurturing environment conducive to the delicate needs of these tiny infants. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, the unit aims to provide specialized care tailored to the unique challenges of micropreemies. Additionally, the unit will offer comforting spaces for parents to bond with their babies, fostering a supportive atmosphere during this critical phase of their child's development.

"Through the generosity of North Dakota Credit Unions and their members, we can provide critical support to the tiniest babies in our region. The generous donation from North Star Community Credit Union to the Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo not only saves lives but also nurtures hope for families across North Dakota.” – Hillery Mork, Sanford Health Foundation Lead Development Officer and Children’s Miracle Network Program Director

The contribution from North Star Community Credit Union is accompanied by a collective effort of credit unions across the state, who have diligently worked together to support Sanford Children’s Hospital in implementing this crucial project. By investing in the establishment of the Micropreemie Unit, North Star Community Credit Union is helping to ensure that families from the region requiring additional care under challenging circumstances receive the high-quality, compassionate care they deserve.

Pictured Left to Right: Alex Kalliokoski – CFO at North Star Community Credit Union, Dean Aanderud - CLO at North Star Community Credit Union, Chuck Emery - North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, Mike Black - North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, Hillery Mork – Lead Development Officer & Children’s Miracle Network Program Director at Sanford Health Foundation, Bob Herrington – President/CEO at North Star Community Credit Union, Mike Foster – North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, Kevin Gigstad - North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, John Riley - North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, Ken Klebe - North Star Community Credit Union Board of Directors, Joann Bergrud – COO at North Star Community Credit Union