NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois Credit Union System (ICUS) announced that it donated $13,000 to local food pantries and community organizations in December 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
The donations, led by ICUL and Envisant’s Commit to Change (CTC) Committee, support organizations working on the front lines of food insecurity and homelessness across Illinois.
Rooted in the cooperative spirit that defines credit unions, ICUS’s contributions reflect a long-standing belief that serving communities extends beyond financial services. By investing directly in organizations that provide food, dignity, and stability, ICUS continues its mission-driven work to strengthen the communities credit unions serve.
“Credit unions were founded on the idea of lifting others up, especially in moments of need,” said Libby Calderone, president/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) and Envisant. “Supporting local food pantries and community organizations is not separate from our work — it’s central to it. This is servant leadership in action, and it reflects the values our system lives every day.”
The Commit to Change Committee, a volunteer-led group within ICUS, champions initiatives that advance inclusion, equity, and community impact. Each year, the committee identifies opportunities to support organizations whose work aligns with the credit union mission.
"The holidays are a time for gratitude and hope, the gift from the Illinois Credit Union System provided that and so much more for the 1,500 families we serve at the Aurora Food Pantry each week. With many in our community experiencing extreme financial stress right now, this support lets our neighbors know they are not alone," Katie Arko, Executive Director, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.
Checks were presented to the following organizations as part of the 2026 initiative:
- Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry
- Central Illinois Food Bank
- COOL Ministries Food Pantry
- Glen-Ed Pantry
- Glen House Food Pantry
- Kendall County Community Food Pantry
- Messengers of Hope
- Milton Township Food Pantry, Inc.
- Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation
- Nourishing Hope
- Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry
- Village Baptist Food Pantry
- Turpin Cares
Through efforts like these, ICUS continues to honor the cooperative principles that guide credit unions — meeting people where they are, strengthening communities, and leading with purpose.