FT. WAYNE, Ind.–Public Service Credit Union gave back to its members and community in a bigger way than ever during the recent holiday season. The credit union emailed its membership a survey in November that asked what they were asking Santa for in 2020. Members responded with things they needed, such as pajamas for the grandkids, a refrigerator, a stove for my aunt, a bed for my disabled son, and more.
PSCU said its goal is to help the community one member at a time, and it wasn’t going to let 2020 stop them. Instead, PSCU said it let 2020 inspire them and Project Giveback was created. The event was planned to fulfill wishes and bring some holiday spirit back into a bleak year.
Public Service Credit Union staff went to work and purchased gifts, paid bills or made donations for every single member who completed the survey, plus a few non-members who found the survey on Facebook.
Most members were invited to the giveback event, COVID-style, to get their gifts, a photo with Santa, a cupcake and hot cocoa. The credit union couldn’t invite everyone to the event, but all the other gifts were picked up later or mailed out, including some to other states and some overseas to those serving in the military.
“It’s been a humbling, yet inspiring project for Public Service Credit Union,” said CEO, Carolyn Mikesell. “We hoped to bring a smile to each of their faces, maybe a sigh of relief, tears of joy & hopefully we eased some stress and tension, if only for one day.”
PSCU also created a video to capture the excitement of the day that can be viewed here.