THE NORTH POLE–For credit unions across the country it’s been much more than the 12 Days of Christmas this holiday season when it comes to giving back to communities and the less fortunate.
Texas Trust Leads Toys For Tots Drive
MANSFIELD, Texas – Texas Trust Credit Union was once again was a lead participant in the Mansfield Toys for Tots Toy Drive held at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. The credit union presented a check for $5,000 and delivered a busload of toys in a restored 1956 Chevrolet school bus.
In addition, Texas Trust hosted a special family zone complete with an antique sleigh and an area to mix up “magic sparkling reindeer food.” Families took advantage of sitting in the antique sleigh for an old-fashioned Christmas picture. Children had fun creating the magic reindeer food, which when sprinkled on the lawn on Christmas Eve helps direct Santa’s reindeer to their home and provides a snack for those hard-working reindeer.
Ron Smith, senior vice president of retail operations at Texas Trust, was on hand to present the check to the Toys for Tots. Volunteers from Jobe Middle School National Junior Honor Society assisted Texas Trust employees at the event.
The event included photos with Santa, train rides, a sledding hill, bounce houses, and the annual mascot races, featuring Texas Trust’s Cash the Eagle and mascots representing each of Mansfield’s high schools and other local businesses. The event was broadcast live on the local Fox affiliate.
“Contributing to Toys for Tots brings joy to us, as well as to the children who receive the gifts,” said Jim Minge, president of Texas Trust Credit Union. “We are so thankful for the servicemen and women who are behind this organization that is dedicated to making children’s Christmas dreams come true.”
America First Donates $80,000 To 8 Organizations
SALT LAKE CITY–Saying it was building on its holiday giving momentum, America First Credit Union gave a total of $80,000 during its annual check presentation event at the America First Innovation Center. As part of America First’s non-profit organization, the America First Charitable Foundation, eight organizations each received $10,000 to continue efforts to help others.
The monies were donated to organizations that work tirelessly year-round to improve the lives of others and include: Christmas Box International, The Road Home, SafeNest, The Lantern House, YCC of Northern Utah, Cathedral of the Madeline Good Samaritan Program, SHARE, Inc. and Catholic Community Services, Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank.
In 1989, America First Credit Union created its non-profit organization, the America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation, which supports several programs, including the Warm the Soles of Kids holiday shoe giving program, educational scholarships and the Community Assistance Program.
The mission of the Community Assistance Program is to provide funds to assist the homeless and other disadvantaged individuals in the communities America First serves. Money for the Community Assistance Program is raised through America First Credit Union member donations and distributed to organizations that provide job assistance, training, housing, food and medical attention to those in need.
Arrowhead CU Supports Children’s Fund
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – More than 550 disadvantaged children will enjoy a brighter Christmas this year thanks to the helping spirit at Arrowhead Credit Union.
Arrowhead team members donated nearly $10,000 in toys to support the 28th Annual Celebration of Giving toy drive for Children’s Fund.
“The number of children that need our assistance grows each year. Last year Children’s Fund provided over 30,000 gifts to children in need,” said Jane Nottingham, Events Coordinator for Children’s Fund. “Arrowhead Credit Union comes through every year to help make Christmas wishes come true in a big way for vulnerable children in our community.”
“Our team strives to make sure the children of our community know they are loved and will be cared for,” said Arrowhead team member Becky Holtz. “We’ve seen request cards from children asking for everything from socks and shoes to a bike and skateboard. It’s all about making wishes come true and ensuring these children have a special gift to celebrate the holidays.”
JetStream FCU Joins With The EDGE on Toy Drive
MIAMI LAKES, Fla.– JetStream FCU has partnered with The EDGE for its annual holiday toy drive. For the past eight years, all JetStream branch locations in South Florida were collection sites for toys. The EDGE (The Early Development of Global Education) Charitable Foundation delivers toys annually to migrant families, children victimized by domestic abuse and children victimized by human trafficking in South Florida. This year The EDGE expects to deliver toys to over 3,000 local children. “Our toy drive is one of our biggest events for giving back to the community because of the children we serve right here in South Florida” stated Mercy Hernandez, founder of The Edge.
“We’re able to make Christmas a little merrier in our local community due to the generosity of our employees and members. This has been a successful eight year partnership that has brought joy to our youngest and most vulnerable neighbors” said Jeanne Kucey, CEO.
The ‘Season of Giving’ At First Tech
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.– First Tech FCU and its members have come together for their fourth annual “Season of Giving.” This year, First Tech engaged the community to direct giving through in-branch and online voting in Oregon, Washington and California. Three local organizations were featured in each state, with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in California, Page Ahead in Washington, and Oregon Food Bank taking first place in the polls. The organizations received $16,000, $25,000 and $19,500 donations, respectively.
With more than 22,000 employee volunteer hours logged in 2016, First Tech’s “Season of Giving” serves as a celebration and continuation of the credit union’s philanthropic work within local communities, First Tech said.
“These organizations are truly making a difference within our communities. Their missions align perfectly with our credit union’s cause focus areas of education, research and innovation,” said First Tech President and CEO Greg Mitchell.
Jeanne D’Arc Helps Wishes Come True
Jeanne D'Arc CU makes donation.
LOWELL, Mass.–Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union employees and members expressed their willingness to help others’ holiday wishes come true by donating toys to benefit Toys for Local Children (TLC). With collection boxes at each of their locations, the CU reported it collected nearly 500 toys including games, baby dolls, action figures, stuffed animals, toy cars and trucks, and even bicycles.
Through generous contributions, TLC has gathered and donated toys to struggling families, shelters and fire victims in the Middlesex and Essex counties for the past 11 years.
“We are so grateful to all those who donated toys, allowing Toys for Local Children to carry out their mission and provide happiness for so many deserving children in and around our community,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “We are happy to show our support, and the success of the collection demonstrates the giving spirit espoused by our community,” he added.
From left, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union employees: Financial Education Specialist, Carols Ortiz; Senior Real Estate Loan Processor, Dilys Kwok; Administrative Services Manager, Brandy Clough; Secondary Market Administrator, Misael Garcia; Senior Real Estate Loan Processor, Elizabeth Chieh; Real Estate Loan Processor, Amanda Derwinis; Financial Education Officer, Kim Beaulieu; SVP/Chief Lending Officer, Brian Sousa; SVP/Chief Financial Officer, Susan Hannigan; Product Development Specialist, Bethany Fitch; Administrative Assistant, Yashira Gonzalez; and Financial Education Specialist, Kaelagh Haley, gather around hundreds of toys donated by generous Jeanne D’Arc members and staff to benefit Toys for Local Children.
CME FCU Joins with Firefighters, TV Station on Toy Drive
CME FCU partners on toy drive.
COLUMBUS, Ohio–CME Federal Credit Union along with the Columbus Division of Fire and NBC4 held their Annual Firefighters 4 Kids Toy Drive. In addition to the hundreds of toy and monetary donations, CME Federal Credit Union donated $25,000 and more than 200 bikes to the toy drive.
CME and fire stations in Franklin County collected toy donations prior to the Toy Drive, and more donations were collected at NBC4 studios on the day of the event. In total, enough toy donations were made to fill two semi-trailers. Over $41,000 in monetary and gift card donations were also made at the 39th Annual Firefighters 4 Kids Toy Drive.
Over the past 10 years CME said it has donated more than $150,000 for the toy drive on behalf of its 31,697 member/owners. CME associates raised funds for the event all year through direct contributions, donations for “Jeans Day,” and a French toast Friday breakfast.
“It’s natural for CME to be part of the toy drive,” said CME FCU CEO Jeff Carpenter. “Our credit union was founded by firefighters and we’re excited to give back to the community. That’s what the credit union is all about! CME takes great pride in being part of such a wonderful event, and would like to thank everyone who donated! CME would like to thank NBC4 and all the active and retired firefighters that make this event possible! Contributions can still be made at any CME branch or Franklin County fire station through December 24th.”
Credit Union One Remembers Forgotten Harvest, Toys for Tots
Credit Union ONE supports Toys for Tots.
FERNDALE, Mich.–Credit Union ONE’s members and staff gave back to the community through donations to Forgotten Harvest and the Toys for Tots local programs. Since Thanksgiving each of the credit union’s branches collected food and toys for the organizations. More than 1,000 toys and more than 1,000 pounds of food, along with a $500 donation from Credit Union ONE, will be used in southeast Michigan this holiday season.
“These two annual collections are a part of our organizational values and community work that we engage in throughout the year. Our members and staff really step forward and help each and every year” said John Kozich Vice President of Community Relations of Credit Union ONE. The generous donations truly helps those in need in our community.”
SECU Staff Donate Nearly $1,000 To Non Profits
RALEIGH, N.C.–State Employees’ Credit Union is reporting its “giving spirit” is alive and well this holiday season, with staff donating nearly $100,000 to their favorite non-profits through the 2016 State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC).
SECU’s campaign pledges exceeded expectations this year, with employee gifts increasing more than $20,000 over the 2015 tally. SECU members, via the SECU Foundation, complemented SECU employees’ charitable donations by providing funding for the annual SECC Giving Guide, assuring more contributions reach the needs of North Carolina’s citizens and communities.
“State Employees’ Credit Union’s participation in the 2016 Combined Campaign increased by an incredible 26% over last year’s results,” shared Laura Marx, 2016 SECC Campaign Team Lead. “It’s a wonderful accomplishment, especially considering the impact Hurricane Matthew and the wildfires in western North Carolina had across our state. The caring community of SECU employees, as well as the member-funded SECU Foundation’s support for the 2016 Giving Guide are important factors in our ability to aid so many charities. We are very grateful for their power of giving.”
More than 900 charities were included in the 2016 SECC, a 30-year tradition that has provided state personnel and government retirees with a convenient and trusted way to support causes close to their hearts. Last year, SECC reached the historic milestone of a cumulative $100 million in donations. This year’s contributions added more than $3.5 million to that mark.
Member One Participates in 3 Parades
Member One staff join in parade.
ROANOKE, Va.–Member One FCU kicked off the holiday season by sponsoring and participating in three Christmas parades in its footprint.
Member One was the returning title sponsor of the Vinton, Va. Christmas parade. Member One has a long-standing relationship with the Vinton Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the parade each year. Member One’s Vinton Retail Center also participated in the parade.
Next up was the Salem, Va. Christmas parade. Member One Salem Retail Center’s annual holiday tradition continued, dressing up as reindeer while participating in the parade.
The final parade was the Franklin County Christmas parade in Rocky Mount, Va. Member One’s Westlake and Rocky Mount Retail Centers participated in the parade through downtown Rocky Mount.
Below, Member One’s Salem Retail Center, dressed up for the Salem, Va. Christmas parade.
Pen-Air Celebrates With 'Give a Click'
PENSACOLA, Fla.– Pen Air Federal Credit Union launched a holiday promotion with its second annual “Give a Click for Communerosity” Holiday Wreath Contest.
Pen Air invited the community to “give a click” by voting for their favorite wreath via Pen Air’s Facebook page.
“The contest came to fruition to create awareness for local nonprofits during a time of the year when the needs in the community are the greatest,” the credit union said.
Back office and branch departments each selected a charity to partner with, decorating their wreaths to represent the chosen organization’s mission and Pen Air’s brand. By creating the wreaths, the employees at Pen Air said they hope to bring the community together for good.
“Our vibrant community has so many wonderful nonprofit organizations that do amazing things. This contest allows our staff to partner with local nonprofit organizations they are passionate about, all in the spirit of Communerosity,” said Pam Hatt, director of marketing. “Communerosity is one of our corporate values that embraces a lifestyle of two qualities we value highly - generosity and community. At Pen Air, we are humbly generous with our time, talents and treasures throughout the communities we serve.”
There were 22 wreaths representing 22 different non-profits from on which members could vote.
Connex CU Helps Family
Connex CU helps family.
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. –Connex Credit Union recently donated more than $1,000 and 180 household items to a widowed mother and her five children as part of New Reach’s 12th annual Adopt-a-Family program. The credit union “adopted” the family after learning they were forced to relocate to a new home due to the tragic passing of their husband and father, losing many of their belongings in the process.
As part of its annual holiday drive and ConnexCares philanthropic program, each of Connex’s seven branches were dedicated to collecting a different item requested by the family.
Included in the nearly 200 contributions were winter clothing, bedding, toys and toiletries. $200 in various gift cards was also collected alongside a $1,000 monetary donation.
“We would like to thank each and every one of our staff and members that contributed to this amazing effort,” said Carl Casper, vice president of customer advocacy, Connex Credit Union. “Your generosity and selflessness created a true holiday miracle for a family in need and is an embodiment of our credit union philosophy, ‘People Helping People’.”
All duplicates and extra items were distributed to other New Reach families.
At right, from left: Roquita Johnson, marketing and electronic services specialist, Connex Credit Union; Mary Grande, community engagement manager, New Reach; Anita Annunziato, marketing specialist, Connex Credit Union; Louise Nestor, director of marketing, Connex Credit Union; Frank Mancini, president and CEO, Connex Credit Union.
NuVision Helps Those in Need
Nuvision supports community during holidays.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – NuVision Federal Credit Union has announced a number of charitable activities and donations made during December to make the holiday season brighter for those in need in our community.
NuVision donated $5,000 to the California Paralyzed Veterans Association and $5,000 to Project Self Sufficiency. Representatives from both organizations were special guests at NuVision’s board holiday dinner held, where the credit union’s board members presented each organization with a check.
In addition, NuVision employees adopted seven families from Oak View Elementary School for the Christmas holiday. Each family member – young and old – will receive gifts that have been hand-selected and donated by NuVision employees. Last month, NuVision adopted 20 families from the school for Thanksgiving holiday.
NuVision’s branches across Southern California also served as collection sites for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots program for the eleventh year.
“Through a combination of direct donations, volunteerism, and individual giving, all of us at NuVision Federal Credit Union strive to make a positive impact on the community we serve,” said Attila Morgan, Manager of Community Engagement/PR at NuVision Federal Credit Union. “It is a commitment we share not only during the holiday season, but all year long.”
At Diamond, Numerous Charities Are Beneficiaries of Efforts
READING, Penn.– Diamond Credit Union reported its employees gave back a lot this season, as individuals, teams, and even swallowing their pride for an ugly sweater contest.
“It was once common practice to do gift exchanges between coworkers in a specific department, but in recent years teams have been focusing efforts on charity organizations, instead,” the credit union said. “The lending team adopted a family from the Salvation Army of Pottstown and made sure that the kids and parents weren’t forgotten by Santa this year. Four departments banded together to provide gifts and cookies to several military families, most with a family member currently deployed, through Operation Home Front. The Marketing team opted to support Mary’s Shelter with needed supplies and some small comforts for the holiday.”
The Wyomissing Branch hosted an Angel Tree for the Children’s Home of Reading and the Boyertown Branch hosted one for the Boyertown Salvation Army. In total, the trees resulted in over 100 gifts for local children. The Pottstown Branch led a food drive for the Salvation Army of Pottstown Food Pantry, with help from all the other branches. All together the food drive resulted in over a thousand packaged food items for the community.
Finally, as an extension of Diamond’s annual Shoot For CommYOUNITY program at Saturday home games of the Reading Royals, Diamond employees put on their holiday best (or worst) for an ugly sweater photo contest. Each photo supports a charity and the first place team won win $200 for their charity.
Inspire Hosts 2nd Annual Holiday Food Drive
Inspire helps fill food pantry.
LANGHORNE, Penn. – Inspire Federal Credit Union hosted its second annual holiday food drive to support the local community. The credit union, which serves the residents of Bucks County, had collection sites at both its Bristol and Langhorne branches. Donations were brought in by staff, credit union members and other residents of the community.
In addition to collecting donated items, the credit union held a staff fundraiser to support the initiative. Inspire team members donated $5 each Friday that allowed them to wear jeans to work. Throughout the collection period, the credit union raised over $550. The funds went directly towards the purchase of non-perishable items, as well as a cash donation that will go towards the purchase of perishable items, like turkey and ham, this holiday season.
All donations were presented to Mary’s Cupboard of Levittown. Inspire has supported this non-profit in previous years, having been able provide nearly 1,000 pounds of donated items over the last 12 months.
Jim Merrill, President/CEO of Inspire FCU thanked the members and staff for their generosity, commenting, “Many of our community members, some our own neighbors, are experiencing hardships during the holiday season. With the support of our credit union community, we have been able to make a difference for these families this holiday season”.
Happy Holidays: Del Norte Helps Consumers With Grocery Bills
SANTE FE, N.M.—Del Norte Credit Union is helping consumers, some struggling to pay their bills, afford groceries as Christmas approaches.
Through the $540-million CU’s Grocery Giving campaign, staff of the credit union are visiting local grocery stores and stepping up to pay for some of the carts full of food as customers check out, reported the Daily Post, noting that food scarcity issues affect New Mexicans.
Credit union employees have been telling lucky consumers: “Happy holidays, your grocery bill is on Del Norte Credit Union.”
The newspaper reported that one shopper who is expecting her third child had tears in her eyes as she received the money, explaining that her husband had just been deported to Mexico.
DNCU staffers handing out the money told the Post they are proud to represent DNCU in such a special way this holiday season.
Altura CU Sponsors ‘Teddy Bear Tea Time’
Altura sponsors Teddy Bear Tea Time.
RIVERSIDE, Calif.–Hundreds of children enjoyed a special holiday “Teddy Bear Tea Time” at the annual Festival of Trees in Riverside, Calif. Sponsored and staffed by Altura Credit Union, the tea was part of a four-day festival that raises funds for the pediatric unit at Riverside University Health System Medical Center.
Altura employees handed out more than 250 Teddy Bears to the 250 children who participated in the tea. Altura also was a key sponsor of the Mistletoe Magic Gala fundraising event that is part of the festival, which takes place Thanksgiving week, the credit union said.
Fifty donated and decorated Christmas Trees are a key fundraising element, which lends the event its name – the Festival of Trees. Each of the donated trees feature an individual theme selected by the tree decorators. After being display for the four-day festival, the trees are purchased for display in their own businesses or homes. The purchase proceeds benefit the medical center. More than 30,000 people visit the festival annually, raising nearly $500,000.
Altura’s tree this year featured a “Winter Under the Sea” theme that included all sorts of seaside decorations. The tree was purchased by Riverside University Health System Medical Center.
Another major holiday event in Riverside, the 24th annual Festival of Lights also took place the same weekend at the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which was covered in nearly five million lights. Altura was among the sponsors of the “switch-on” ceremony that also included a fireworks display. Readers of USA Today selected the Festival of Lights as the number one holiday lights show in the country last year.
At right, Altura Credit Union’s team of tree decorators shows off their creation, “Winter Under the Sea” for the annual Festival of Trees in Riverside, Calif. The four-day event raises funds for pediatric units at Riverside University Health System Medical Center. Altura also created a “Winter Under the Sea” tree as part of the festival.
Alta Vista Delivers Teddy Bears to Children’s Hospital
Alta Vista helps children's hospital.
REDLANDS, Calif.–Alta Vista Credit Union donated $3,871.78 to The Big Hearts for Little Hearts to give 387 patients a teddy bear at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital.
Donations were made by Alta Vista Credit Union’s staff and membership. “I want to help make kids feel happier while they are at the hospital,” stated one 10-year old credit union member who took $10 out of his wallet to donate money toward the teddy bears after seeing a sign in the credit union’s lobby.
“I am glad that our credit union, members and community are able to help spread a little joy during this time of year,” said RaAnn Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer at Alta Vista Credit Union. “Our credit union exists to help other people, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Jeanne D’Arc Provides Gifts to Marguerite’s Place
LOWELL, Mass.–Wrapped gifts and bright green tote bags filled the lobby at Marguerite’s Place this week when Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s Lending Department made a special holiday delivery to the organization’s families.
Marguerite’s Place is a non-profit organization in Nashua, N.H. dedicated to providing support to women and their children so that they can make their way from homelessness to permanent self-sufficiency.
Jeanne D'Arc supports Marguerite's Place.
Over the span of a few weeks, the Lending Department’s 40 employees raised funds to purchase and wrap toys for 25 children. They also created festive care packages for 24 families, which included items such as paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, peanut butter, tuna fish, cookies and more.
“This was a nice way to show our support for those in need,” said Brian Sousa, Chief Lending Officer at Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union.
“Our employees truly have a heart for helping other people and make great efforts to fill the needs of those who are less fortunate,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.
The team made sure that each child had a gift and each family received a care package. Melissa Sullivan, Director of Development and Public Relations at Marguerite’s Place, explained that it can be a trying task to ensure that each child receives a gift during the holidays.
“Now they all have a Christmas gift and a care package to go home with, and that’s a beautiful thing,” said Sullivan.
Several Lending Department employees visited Marguerite’s Place to deliver the Christmas surprises. Marguerite’s Place staff expressed their sincere appreciation for the lending team’s kind efforts.
In addition to the gifts and care packages, the Credit Union’s lending team also donated $1,000 to Marguerite’s Place. Sullivan says this will support operational costs, which will in turn help instill human dignity in their clients to drive change in their lives.
At right, from left: Paul McDonald, Vice President of Residential and Consumer Lending, Michael Dubuque, Vice President of Market Development, Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, Melissa Sullivan, Director of Development and Public Relations of Marguerite’s Place, Jason Dubois, Mortgage Loan Origination Manager, Brian Sousa, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Kara Doyle, Vice President of Commercial Lending, and Donna Congo, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Operations.
Aventa Participates in Festival of Lights
Aventa Participates in Parade of Lights.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Aventa Credit Union celebrated the holiday season by sponsoring and participating in the 32nd Annual Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Colorado Springs. Over 20 Aventa associates and family members participated in the parade, which was themed “Home for the Holidays.”
This year, Aventa built a float using the Mobile ATM and titled it “Whoville Home for the Holidays,” an homage to the Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The float featured windows with “Whos” peeking out, a Grinch going down the chimney and a dog pulling the sleigh. The Mobile ATM was also draped in holiday lights and associates walked in the parade dressed as “Who’s from Whoville” or as presents. This was the first year that Aventa had participated in the parade.
“The parade is a great way for the community to come together and we like to be involved in the community. This is a fun event to partipate in,” said Karin Kovalovsky, VP of Corporate Communications and Marketing.