JACKSONVILLE, Fla.– VyStar Credit Union said as part of its ongoing commitment to volunteerism and service, it commemorated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by sponsoring the Tomorrow’s Leaders Essay Contest at the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast in Jacksonville, along with other events.
The essay contest encouraged young people to think critically about Dr. King's legacy and how his teachings can be applied to modern-day issues. In addition, VyStar also supported the Henry County NAACP MLK Prayer Breakfast, the 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Youth Program in Savannah, Ga.
VyStar participated in various MLK Day of Service events in Jacksonville, Orlando and Thomasville, Ga.. VyStar volunteers assisted in revitalizing the Eastside Terrace Apartments in Jacksonville by cleaning, beautifying, and activating vacant and public spaces.
In Thomasville, VyStar volunteers helped to sort, pack, and distribute staple food items to community members in need. In Orlando, VyStar volunteers came together in the spirit of service to pack and distribute one-million healthy meals in collaboration with The Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and the Orange County MLK Initiative.
“VyStar recognizes the importance of engaging in meaningful community service not only on Martin Luther King Jr. Day but also throughout the year,” said Patricia McElroy, senior vice president/VyStar Foundation president. “It’s why we focus our efforts on creating inclusive, equitable opportunities in the communities we serve, and consider our diversity one of our greatest strengths.”
VyStar noted it provides employees up to eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer with nonprofits in their community. In 2023, employees donated more than 32,000 volunteer hours and over $100,000 to local nonprofits through VyStar’s Pay It Forward initiative. In addition to employee efforts, the credit union donated $6.4 million to various charitable causes and organizations through Georgia, North and Central Florida. That is in addition to nearly $1 million dollars of impact by VyStar Foundation, it said.
The Jacksonville Business Journal recently ranked VyStar as the leader of its 2023 “Top Corporate Philanthropists List.” VyStar also received a 2024 “Company with a Heart" recognition by Jacksonville Magazine.
“These recognitions reflect our ongoing commitment to Doing Good and making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work,” said McElroy. “We remain committed to supporting local initiatives and organizations that make our communities better places for everyone.”