MOBILE, Ala.— Several credit unions have announced initiatives to help victims of Hurricane Ida, including CU employees.
In Alabama, New Horizons Credit Union said it has established a special Charity Account that will help raise funds for the American Red Cross to assist victims of Hurricane Ida, and has further set up a link to CUAID which offers assistance to affected credit union people through the National Credit Union Foundation.
“When a disaster strikes, the American Red Cross is there to provide compassionate care to those in need,” said New Horizons in announcing the new offerings. “They live a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world. American Red Cross comes in with rolled up sleeves to help assist communities rebuild and teach life-saving skills so our communities can be better prepared. The American Red Cross provides their services through generous donations of funds, resources, and time.”
The credit union said anyone wishing to contribute to relief efforts can visit any New Horizons Credit Union branch and make a deposit to the American Red Cross Charity Account.
In addition, the New Horizons Credit Union’s website offers a link to the National Credit Union Foundation Disaster Relief Fund – CUAID.
CU Philosophy
“This is the first national online giving center for credit unions to offer employees and members a donation option to help fellow credit union people in disaster areas,” the CU said.
Donations towards CUAID can only be made online at NewHCU.org or CUAID.COOP.
“New Horizons Credit Union believes in the Credit Union industry philosophy of people helping people,” said Edith Franklin, president/CEO of New Horizons Credit Union. “Our hearts go out to the victims of Hurricane Ida and offering these avenues to contribute is the least we can do.”
Assistance in the Volunteer State
Meanwhile, in Tullahoma, Tenn., Ascend FCU said it has donated $20,000 to support flood relief efforts in Middle Tennessee. The credit union has also set up a website for others in the community to contribute, ascend.org/flood-relief. Now through Sept. 15, all donations will support the Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross, the credit union said.
“We are saddened by the devastation in our region and express our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives. We urge our fellow Middle Tennesseans to join us in helping those who lost so much during the recent flood, which damaged more than 500 homes and completely destroyed many,” said Caren Gabriel, president and CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union. “We want to be sure they all receive the support necessary to bring hope back to these communities as they recover and rebuild.”
For community members directly affected, Ascend said it is also offering the following assistance in Dickson, Hickman, Houston and Humphreys counties in Tennessee:
- Personal and business loan payment assistance. Loan extensions available at no charge
- No fees for cashing federal assistance or disaster-related insurance checks
- One penalty-free withdrawal on a share certificate