Credit Union names woman ‘unsung hero’ for actions when man drove into store
Erin Shappell.
Hungry Horse News
Whitefish Credit Union recently named Erin Shappell of Columbia Falls the first Unsung Hero of its eight week campaign to show gratitude and appreciation for outstanding individuals throughout northwest Montana.
Shappell, an assistant night-shift manager at Super 1 Foods in Columbia Falls, earned the recognition in part through her prudent actions during an incident when a man under the influence of methamphetamine drove his vehicle through the store last November.
During the chaotic event, Shappell ensured the safety of customers by guiding them away from the vehicle’s destructive path and out through the store’s back exits to “make sure our family, friends and loved ones were safe,” said Whitefish Credit Union in a recent statement.
Shappell was also instrumental in coordinating efforts with her employees and the local community in repairing damages and cleaning up the disarray, much of which was completed by the next morning.
In addition to her prudent actions that evening, Shappell was equally recognized for her willingness to step up during a broader time of need: the pandemic.
Shappell decided to take on the responsibility of a managerial position — despite it cutting into her family time — simply because she recognized the need to keep the essential service of providing food for the community smoothly running during a critical period.
Throughout the pandemic, Shappell picked up extra shifts whenever there was a shortage of workers and became a “go-to for other staff to help the business run properly,” according to the store’s general manager Hope Renfro, who nominated Shappell for the award.
As part of the campaign, Whitefish Credit Union is giving all eight Unsung Heroes a pair of VIP weekend passes to this year’s Under the Big Sky Music & Arts Festival in Whitefish July 17-18.
To nominate an Unsung Hero and to help Whitefish Credit Union “recognize and celebrate selfless leaders and helping hands,” go to www.whitefishcu.com/WeSeeYou.