BANNOCKBURN, Ill. – Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) said its annual coat and winter gear drive collected 815 winter items to support Cradles to Crayons Chicago.
Cradles to Crayons Chicago provides essential items to children from birth to age 12, who live in homeless or low-income situations.
Throughout November, collection boxes were stationed at all 13 GLCU branches. Members, employees, and community members rallied together to graciously donate both new and gently used coats and winter gear for children, women, and men.
"Thanks to the unwavering support of the GLCU community, this year's coat drive far exceeded expectations”, said Matthew Rizzie, executive director of the GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment. A remarkable 815 coats and other winter apparel items have been collected and will be distributed to those who need them most.”
In 2022, GLCU collected more than 500 coats and other winter apparel – and the organization is pleased to have surpassed last year’s donation.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this year's coat drive,” said Rizzie. “The outpouring of generosity from our community members is a testament to the credit union spirit of ‘people helping people’.”