Postal Credit Union and St. Paul Love Linus

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Postal Credit Union and loveable Peanutsr character Linus have become very close this summer. The $289 million credit union has sponsored a Beary Smart Saver Linus statue, which is located in the heart of downtown St. Paul in Rice Park. Designed by artist Shane Anderson, the statue features the Peanuts character holding a blue piggy bank and wearing a Bucky Bear costume, Postal CU’s kids club mascot. “Through living in St. Paul, I can see how well the statues and the whole tribute to Charles Schulz has been received over the past few years,” said Postal CU Marketing Manger Cindy Noldy. “I thought that it would be a great opportunity for us to get our name out there using a different avenue than we have ever done before, and at the same time, be part of the whole community celebration.” For the past three months, visitors, residents and dwellers of St. Paul, Minn., have been spotting Linus all over town. Some 92 statues were decorated this spring and have been on display all summer during the “Linus Blankets Saint Paul” tribute to late cartoonist Charles Schulz, native Minnesotan and creator of the Peanuts comic strip. This marks the fourth consecutive year of tributes, starting with Snoopy in 2000, Charlie Brown in 2001, and Lucy in 2002. “We at Postal Credit Union strive to be a part of all the communities that we serve,” said Postal CU President Russ Plunkett. “It is important to give something back, whether we are sponsoring a Linus statue, taking part in a parade, or participating in meals-on-wheels. Not only does PCU benefit, but all credit unions.” All 92 of the Linus statues will be on display throughout St. Paul until Sept. 21, when they will be assembled in Landmark Plaza Park and auctioned. Sponsors have the option to keep their statue for an extra fee. Postal CU plans to house its Linus at Postal CU headquarters. Approximately half the statues will be sold in this year’s auction. In the past three years, $1.7 million has been raised to fund art scholarships for the College of Visual Arts and the Minneapolis School of Art & Design.