Mollie Coe

We can think of no one more deserving of recognition than Mollie Coe.

 

In 1986, Mollie, then a loan processor at Unitus Community Credit Union, formally Oregon Telco, gave birth to her second child, Jordan, at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Jordan was severely premature. While Mollie had insurance and support, she quickly became aware that many families facing similar circumstances did not. When Doernbecher asked for help supporting children and families receiving care, Mollie responded by starting close to home. She rallied her Oregon Telco colleagues through grassroots fundraisers, including bake sales and “pie in the face” events, initially raising $750. For three years, Mollie and her colleagues continued their efforts. That generosity gained momentum as Oregon Telco’s Wayne Gaylin, First Tech’s Tom Sargent, iQ’s Roger Michaelis, helped broaden the effort across Oregon.

 

Eventually, the Oregon Credit Union League embraced the initiative, helping give rise to what became Credit Unions for Kids. Mollie never set out to create a national movement. She saw families who needed help and believed her credit union community could make a difference.

 

Mollie embodies “people helping people”: compassion transformed into action. Her story deserves to be preserved so future generations remember that extraordinary moments can begin with one person’s generous spirit.