Modern Woodmen employees bring fraternalism to life during week of service

Modern Woodmen of America employees put the organization's fraternal mission into action Oct. 5-9 through a week of service benefiting people and nonprofit organizations across the Quad Cities.

As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen brings members together through a shared commitment to financial security, family and community. Fraternalism is people working together for a common purpose, including giving back through volunteer service and support for local organizations.

During Fraternal Week, employees packed 600 backpacks with hygiene products, cold-weather gear and other essentials for people experiencing homelessness. Project NOW and Humility Homes & Services will distribute the backpacks and connect recipients with housing opportunities, resources and support.

"Fraternal Week gives our employees a meaningful way to experience what makes Modern Woodmen unique," said Jason Nickles, Modern Woodmen's chief fraternal officer and vice president. "By working together to meet practical needs in our community, we bring our mission to life and show what fraternalism looks like in action."

Each backpack includes hand warmers, an emergency blanket, gloves, socks, a rain poncho, hygiene products, a first-aid kit, bottled water, snacks, hand wipes, bus passes and a sleeping bag.

Modern Woodmen also donated $20,000 to 10 local nonprofits, with each organization receiving $2,000. Employees supported the organizations through hands-on service projects addressing needs related to food, shelter, housing, employment and community connection.

Organizations supported during the week included Project NOW, Humility Homes & Services, The Third Place QC, One Eighty, the YWCA Empowerment Center, Humble Dwellings, NEST Café, Bethany for Children & Families, Kinna's House of Love and Christian Care.

Additionally, five employees received the second annual Fraternal Champion Award: Sara McGinnis, Rock Island, Illinois; Luke Cooley, Rock Island, Illinois; Josh LoDico, Moline, Illinois; Haile Swearinger, Davenport, Iowa; and John Vander Wal, Davenport, Iowa.

The award recognizes employees who embody Modern Woodmen's mission of making a positive impact on the lives of others. Recipients are active in their communities and demonstrate generosity in their daily lives. Each recipient will donate $150 to a charity of their choice.

Modern Woodmen closed the week with a celebration rally at its Rock Island headquarters. During the rally, the organization donated $5,000 to the Davenport Central High School marching band, which performed for employees and helped celebrate the service, teamwork and community spirit demonstrated throughout Fraternal Week.

About Modern Woodmen of America

Inspired by pioneer woodmen of the era, Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883 to clear financial burdens - not trees. As a fraternal financial services organization, Modern Woodmen's products and programs support financial security, quality family life and community impact - the common bonds that unite its members nationwide.