PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga.-- EXCEL Federal Credit Union recently distributed more than 110 care packs to members in need as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic.
EXCEL FCU said it gathered supplies including paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, food items and cleaning supplies, and invited members to pick up the supplies at its main branch in Peachtree Corners. Credit union employees Britney Bailey, Troy Barnes, Larry Benator, Tom Hayden and Coretta Wallace – donning masks and gloves – took packages of the supplies to members’ cars to ensure safe social distancing for everyone, the credit union said.
“We know these are difficult times and want to support our members in any way we can,” said Hayden, CEO of EXCEL. “I’m so proud of our team, and thankful for the opportunity to support our community. Now more than ever we need to come together to help our neighbors.”
According to EXCEL, members reacted positively to the donations.
“This is a great idea,” said George Dandelakis, a member who responded to the announcement of the donation. “There are people out there that really need help. Good job.”
Walter and Jeanne Kozik, longtime members of EXCEL, also stopped by the drive through and were impressed with what they saw, the credit union added.
Making Lives ‘Easier’
“You are all very fine and accommodating,” the couple said. “We thank each of you for your professionalism and concern. You are making our dealings with our financial issues easier.”
According to EXCEL, not all members who stopped by the branch took supplies for themselves. Catherine Garcia-Brake forwent accepting a donation to allow others in need to participate. Still, she said she was happy to see EXCEL’s charity on display.
“How nice,” Garcia-Brake said. “I love that you are doing this.”
EXCEL said it is offering several means of support to members experiencing hardships during the coronavirus shutdown. In addition to the giveaway, EXCEL FCU said it has assembled a solutions team to assist members in need with obtaining loans, payment deferrals and other financial counseling. Additionally, the credit union released its EXCEL Cares Loan, allowing members to borrow money to purchase food and supplies or to pay off higher interest debt while being displaced from work.
CUNA Adds New Resources to Response Page
Separately, among the latest resources available at the CUNA/American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) COVID-19 Response Page are several to assist with business continuity.
The resources, from Quantivate, which is CUNA’s partner for CU compliance management solutions, can be found under the “Business Continuity and Pandemic Response” tab on the COVID-19 Response Page, the trade group said.
According to CUNA, these include a free on-demand webinar on how to prepare for a pandemic, a template to use when creating a pandemic preparedness, response and recovery plan and a business continuity plan checklist.
CUNA said the webinar includes tips and recommendations for decisions surrounding personnel, policies and plan implementation, including:
- Understanding alert levels from external agencies
- Assembling a pandemic team
- Reviewing pandemic-related policies and documentation
- Navigating the disaster declaration process
- Maintaining and exercising a pandemic plan
eDOC Offering Free use of e-Sign Solution
In Vermont, eDOC Innovations has announced a free use offer of its e-sign solution, eDOCSignature. In the two weeks since the announcement was made, 51 credit unions have implemented the solution and many more are in various stages of the implementation process, the company said.
The offer provides free use of eDOCSignature until September 30, 2020, allowing for the completion of transactions that would otherwise be held up as many credit union lobbies remain closed for normal activity.
“This initiative was driven by our concern for clients and the struggles they are experiencing after the public response to COVID-19,” explained Mark Fierro, CEO of eDOC Innovations.