RIVERSIDE, Calif.–Altura Credit Union has launched an Emergency Loan Program for people impacted by recent wildfires, including non-members.
The program is designed to help those in particular affected by the Holy Fire, which is still burning in the Cleveland National Forest straddling Riverside and Orange counties. Additionally, Altura employees delivered 150 care packages to Corona and Lake Elsinore donation centers for Holy Fire evacuees and firefighters.
The Holy Fire has consumed nearly 23,000 acres, and displaced more than 20,000 people. At one time, 1,200 firefighters were battling the blaze. A local resident has been charged with arson in this fire, the second major fire to hit the Inland Empire in as many weeks.
Loan Program
“It is heartbreaking to watch the damage and destruction wildfires have caused throughout California this summer, especially when it hits so close to home,” said Jennifer Binkley, president and CEO of Altura Credit Union, in a statement. “Two of our employees were evacuated and we know that at least 3,400 of our members live in the areas impacted by the Holy Fire. This emergency loan program is a way for us, as a financial institution, to help our neighbors get through a difficult time.”
Altura Credit Union said it is offering two loan options – one for its members and one for non-members. Both feature 90 days with no payment, no pre-payment penalty and no loan processing fee. Member loans are offered at 0% interest and the rate for non-members is 5.99%.
Care Packages for Evacuees and Firefighters
“As evacuations from the Holy Fire spread last week, we wanted to get involved to help our employees, our members and our community,” said Binkley. “We reached out to our contacts with the city of Corona, the city of Lake Elsinore, the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium and through social media to find out how we could help. The answer was care packages for residents and firefighters.”
Altura said it provided the funds and six staffers hit the stores to gather supplies: Chief Operating Officer Chris Andrus, Sales and Business Development Vice President Tina Covington, Marketing Vice President Kara Adams, Human Resources Vice President July Bjornstad, Employee Development Manager Michelle Gardner and Facilities and Security Manager Tanya Price.
The packages include items such as hygiene products, snacks, bottled water, towels, t-shirts, socks, first aid kits, blankets, activity books, playing cards and pet food.
Altura employees were helped filling the bags by four employees from CUNA, who were at Altura for a meeting and wanted to help. Altura delivered the care packages to the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium donation drop-off and the Corona City Yard, which handled distribution directly to evacuees and firefighters. Altura also made a donation to the Animal Friends of the Valleys, a shelter in Wildomar that is housing animals displaced or lost as a result of the fire.