MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–With nearly one in seven children in Massachusetts growing up in poverty, including not having a bed to call their own, executives from eight Massachusetts credit unions and East Boston Savings Bank squared off against each other to see which team could build the most beds for "A Bed for Every Child,” an initiative of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. And although the credit unions prevailed 23 beds to the bank’s 17, the real victors are the children, according to the Cooperative Credit Union Association.
"The competition resulted in a lot of beds completed for the real winners in this challenge—the 40 children who will now have a bed to call their own," said Paul Marotta, chairman, Massachusetts Social Responsibility Committee, and Hanscom Federal Credit Union board chairman.
The credit unions noted that studies have shown that the lack of a good night sleep plays a negative role in a child’s development and education. A Bed for Every Child helps children get a good night sleep by providing them with a complete bed—a twin mattress, bed frame, box spring, linens, and pillow.
"What a wonderful opportunity to give back to the community," said David S. Plantier, president/CEO of MassMutual Federal Credit Union, who was joined by his wife, Tracey, and their dog, Rigby, at the high-energy event held at the coalition's Lynn, Mass. headquarters. "The event illuminated what the credit unions are all about-people helping people."
Representing the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) member credit unions, in addition to Hanscom FCU and MassMutual FCU, were Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, Metro Credit Union, Naveo Credit Union, RTN Federal Credit Union, St. Jean's Credit Union, and Workers Credit Union.
The coalition has been the charity of choice for CCUA member credit unions in Massachusetts for the past 20 years.