HARRISBURG, Penn.–Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union has distributed checks totaling $170,000 to support the 2017 hurricane relief efforts of eight national and international charities.
The total includes $20,000 in corporate donations and $150,000 in matching funds based on PSECU member contributions.
As a result, PSECU and its members jointly have already contributed $320,000 to the cause, and the figure continues to grow.
“In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey, our board of directors authorized a corporate donation of $20,000 to be shared equally among a selection of eight national and international charities that were assisting hurricane recovery in diverse ways,” said PSECU President Greg Smith. “In addition to this donation, the PSECU board committed to matching our members’ donations to the eight charities up to an additional $80,000. This matching commitment was later increased to $150,000 with the subsequent hurricanes that plagued the nation.”
PSECU said its members rose to the challenge in the weeks following the donation matching announcements. By the end of September, they had jointly contributed more than $150,000 through PSECU credit/debit card payments and Bill Payer service.
PSECU Board Chair Joseph Sassano added, “At PSECU, we make it a priority to follow the credit union philosophy of 'people helping people,' and with that in mind, we feel strongly that as an organization we need to take action to help those facing severe challenges as a result of heavy rains, wind, and flooding from this year’s hurricanes. Making financial contributions to charities that are doing work on the scene is how we aid in the quick and efficient deployment of funds to help those in need. We also felt that it was important for us to give our members the opportunity to contribute to the cause and help make a difference. Our matching commitment aims to strengthen their individual giving ability.”
The eight charities assisting in the hurricane relief efforts - ranging from providing shelter to displaced individuals, to distributing essential food supplies, to assisting animals in need - will each receive a PSECU corporate donation of $2,500. They will also be awarded a portion of the credit union’s $150,000 matching donation proportionate to PSECU members’ contributions to each charity, bringing PSECU’s total give to $170,000 and the joint give, including member donations, to $320,000.