Capital Communications Federal Credit Union, has donated new backpacks filled with all the necessary school supplies to Joseph's House & Shelter Equinox Youth Shelter and St. Catherine's Marillac Family Center through its Capital Communications Cares Foundation. In addition, CCFCU provided dinner and 65 comfort bags to the residents of Joseph's House. The comfort bags included shampoo, toothpaste, a toothbrush, deodorant, towels, soap and an umbrella. Formed earlier this year, the Foundation is committed to making a difference in the community. Redwood Credit Union, Santa Rosa, Calif., some 25 employees spent a day lending a helping hand to the Redwood Empire Food Bank as part of the United Way's "A Day of Caring". Staffers helped box and prepare food donations for those in need. The Redwood Empire Food Bank will distribute over 7 million pounds of food this year – over 15,000 meals a day – to needy seniors, families, and children in Sonoma County. Tempe Schools Credit Union, Ariz., has collected over 1,000 pounds of food to restock the food pantry at the Save the Family organization. Food collected will help homeless families living through a transition from domestic violence situations. Merck, Sharp & Dohme Federal Credit Union, North Wales, Pa., has hosted a summer party for its Dollar Dog Kid's Club members. The Dollar Dog Kid's Club is a program for members ages 12 and under. Children participated in matching games, memory games, bingo games and other activities that focused on money education. The Greater Atlanta Chapter of Credit Unions, has hosted a Bowl-A-Thon event that raised $21,000 for the Children's Miracle Network (CMN). The money raised will benefit Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by being used to expand and renovate the Center for Craniofacial Disorders and the Children's Specialty Clinics at Scottish Rite Hospital. It will also provide new equipment and advanced technology in these areas. Missoula Federal Credit Union, Mont., has helped support over 1,800 firefighters and fire personnel through the Adopt-A-Firefighter program. The program provides care packages to fire camps to keep firefighters' spirits up. San Diego Metropolitan Credit Union, Calif., has joined forces with the San Diego Blood Bank to host its fourth annual blood drive. A total of 45 pints of blood, which will help save 135 lives was donated during the event. Participants received goodie bags with gifts, coupons and a raffle entry. Sponsors included Pat & Oscars, Henry's Marketplace, Mimmos, San Diego Zoological Society, Starbucks, Rite Aid and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Pacific Service Credit Union, Walnut Creek, Calif., has donated $5,000 to the Oakland Police Activities League (PAL) to purchase a computer projector and a bicycle rack for the Verdeses Carter Recreational Center. The computer projector will be used to assist in after school programs and the bicycle rack will be used to secure the bikes of children attending the Recreational Center. The Oakland PAL programs help make a positive impact on the lives of at-risk children, their families and the greater Oakland community. Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Gaithersburg, Md., has donated frisbees, stuffed animals, and credit union literature to help educate community children and parents about its various youth savings and checking account programs during Olde Towne Gaithersburg Day. MAFCU's "Pretty Penny" mascot was also on hand during the MAFCU sponsored Stepping Stones Shelter Charity Concert to help distribute educational materials. The Stepping Stones Shelter strives to enable self-sufficiency, giving many homeless families a second chance at independence.