LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Peach State FCU is celebrating its 60th anniversary with donations throughout its service area.
In October 1961, a group of friends—James Shewmake, Irving Levy, Adrin Staton, Lyle Coker, B.B. Harris, Crawford Puckett, and Henry Boddie – met at Mr. Shewmake's house to establish the credit union. The Gwinnett Teachers Federal Credit Union was founded at the kitchen table and has expanded to become Peach State FCU, which now serves more than 72,000 members throughout Georgia and South Carolina.
“Since the charter was signed on Oct. 31st, 1961, we’ve grown from a cardboard box in the back of a station wagon to one of the largest credit unions in Georgia,” remarked Peach State President/CEO Marshall Boutwell.
To celebrate the milestone and honor the founders, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation has pledged $360,000 in donations to show support for the individuals and communities they serve.
In recognition of the credit union’s roots in education, donations were committed to the support of teachers and students:
- Chattooga County Schools
- Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation
- Paine College
- Trion City Schools
- Walker County Schools
- Organizations that support their communities and their residents also received pledges, including Tim Lee Boys & Girls Club and the Walton County YMCA Initiative
- A donation was also made to the World Council of Credit Unions
In March 2021, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation was established with a goal of helping their neighbors with contributions throughout the credit union’s service area. The C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is supported by Peach State’s C.A.R.E.S. VISA Debit Card program as well as contributions from outside donors. For every purchase made with a Peach State VISA Debit Card, Peach State will donate a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, which supports non-profits, school systems, and the arts in the communities within our footprint.