WASHINGTON–Some attendees at CUNA’s GAC came together to help fill 1,500 backpacks with food for children in need while also making 200 teddy bears for children whose parents are deployed overseas.
The event was organized by the National Credit Union Foundation and sponsored by Fiserv.
On behalf of Blessings in a Backpack, GAC attendees assembled bags filled with food for children in the Washington area who rely on school meals and don’t have reliable access to food during weekends. The nonprofit focuses on providing food on the weekends for elementary school children across the United States who might otherwise go hungry.
“GAC advocates for the financial empowerment and wellbeing of all Americans,” said Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation. “Fiserv is a strong credit union partner that believes in the purpose of our movement, and their development and execution of this initiative helped this year’s GAC attendees fulfill the philosophy people helping people.”
Teddy Bears Made
In addition, as part of Operation Gratitude’s Battalion Buddies program, attendees made teddy bears to serve as companions for children whose parents are deployed with the U.S. Armed Forces. The non-profit seeks to forge strong bonds of support between Americans and their military and first responder heroes through volunteer service projects, acts of gratitude, and meaningful engagements.
“Fiserv is committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Theo Curey, president, Credit Union Solutions, Fiserv. “The spirit of community service and giving back is foundational to credit unions, and GAC attendees from across the United States were eager to help children in need through these two initiatives.”
The company said the Give Back activity at GAC was inspired by Fiserv Gives Back, the Fiserv global corporate social responsibility program. The program supports the local communities where Fiserv associates live and work, with a focus on making an impact in areas of financial health, education, environmental stewardship, and health and wellness.