Over the next several weeks, visitors to Dowagiac’s Honor Credit Union will not only have the chance to donate to a worthy cause but make a fashion statement while doing so.

From now through Nov. 30, people visiting the financial institution can leave a donation for the Lee Memorial Foundation’s Tree of Love campaign, an annual charity drive that raises money to pay for mammograms for local uninsured or underinsured women. People who give to the cause will receive a free pair of pink sunglasses, courtesy of the credit union.

On Friday, Honor leadership chipped in some money for the campaign, presenting a $500 check to Jeremy Truitt, a member of the Lee Memorial Foundation’s board of directors. It was the first time the credit union contributed to the campaign, said Janie Reifenberg, manager of Honor’s Dowagiac location.

“We were thrilled that [Truitt] asked us to participate this year,” Reifenberg said. “We love to donate to programs in the community, especially something as great as the Tree of Love. We think others who donate will come away with a great feeling as well.”

Joining Reifenberg for Friday’s check presentation was Jessica Kehrer, regional manager with Honor. Like many others, Kehrer has experienced the pain of losing a loved one to breast cancer, with her mother succumbing to a 10-year bout with the disease in 2000, she said.

“It [the donation] is fantastic,” Kehrer said. “The moment she [Reifenberg] told me about it, I was on board.”

On top of the donation, Reifenberg volunteered the branch to serve as a collection point for the campaign, placing a sign inside the lobby of the building encouraging customers to help out.

Honor’s contribution followed a major donation by Dowagiac Union Schools late last month, with the district giving the proceeds from its annual “pink out” football game to the fundraiser.

This year, foundation members are looking to raise around $9,000 for the campaign, Truitt said.

“Between these two donations, we are already off to an awesome start,” Truitt said.

The Lee Memorial Foundation, the charity wing of Dowagiac’s Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital, has raised money to provide Cass County women with potentially life-saving breast cancer exams for several years now. As with past years, the campaign will culminate with a tree lighting ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov 30, at Farr Park outside the hospital.

People wanting to contribute to the campaign can leave a donation at the Dowagiac Honor Credit Union branch, located at 56337 M-51, or by calling the Lee Memorial Foundation at (269) 783-3026.