DONATIONS

<p>Municipal Employees Credit Union of Baltimore, for the third consecutive year, has exceeded its goal for the 2001 combined Charities Campaign by raising over $34,000. MECU has contributed to over 100 agencies registered with Combined Charities and ranks eighth for donations among a list of 30 agencies in Baltimore City. Of the top agencies listed, MECU has the least number of employees-approximately 170. Fund raising events included, Prisoner Day, where employees were “arrested” and put in a make shift jail to raise “bail money”, that would be donated to the charity of their choice. Another combined charity fundraising event included “Top Gun”, where MECU employees raised funds for the September 11 disaster relief. Other employee incentives consist of “Fair Share Givers” where employees donate a percentage of their salary in exchange for a day off, and “Leadership Givers” who donate $500 or more in exchange for a day off. In addition, the credit union will be presented with an award from Combined Charities in late February. Virginia Credit Union League, Lynchburg, has announced that collectively, Virginia’s 250 member-owned credit unions have donated a record $1.3 million to charitable and community groups during 2001, including almost $700,000 to various September 11-related causes. Credit unions’ 2001 giving topped the previous record of $610,000, which was donated in 2000. The second largest recipient of the financial cooperatives’ generosity was the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants personalized wishes for children and teens with life-threatening illnesses. Since 1991, many credit unions in Virginia have championed the Make-A-Wish cause, with total donations of almost $1.2 million. In addition, credit unions also spent 1,279 volunteer hours teaching school children about personal finance. During the past three years, Virginia’s credit unions have reached more than 10,000 school children with lessons on basic budgeting and money management. Maine Credit Union League, Westbrook, has raised $5,000 to help Maine children with cancer and their families during the League’s Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge. The 30 teams that participated in the co-ed, benefit tournament were primarily from area and regional businesses. Verizon captured this year’s championship, followed by runner-up, American Express. Baker Newman & Noyes and a team called Old Storm rounded out the top four. The top four participants received plaques and the top 10 teams received t-shirts, with all participants receiving other prizes for playing. Nearly 200 spectators attended the all-day event. EECU, Fort Worth, Texas, has raised $10,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network at its Annual Charity Golf Tournament. More than 120 golfers participated in the tournament. Former Dallas Cowboy and Hall of Famer Bob Lilly was the featured speaker. Credit unions rank second in the nation in raising money for CMN. In addition, the Fort Worth Chapter alone raised over $45,000.</p>