SALEM, Ore. - An Oregon credit union's VISA cardholders have directed more than $12,000 to local area schools as part of a program in which the credit union donates 1% of qualified purchase volume from participating VISA cardholders to local public and private schools that the cardholders designate. "We're excited about the potential," said Leilani Slama, Community and Educational Development Officer for the Marion and Polk County Schools credit union. "Considering how often most of us use our credit cards, the contribution to schools has really been and will continue to be significant. Checks for individual schools or districts this quarter ranged from $10 to over $1,400. These amounts also reflect the efforts of the schools and parent groups to take advantage of this opportunity." The $238 million credit union is headquartered in Salem, Oregon. To sign up, card applicants and cardholders complete a form identifying their school or school district of choice. A credit union representative meets with the school or district to arrange for the donation process. The credit union, founded for teachers in 1936, has a long tradition of commitment to the area's schools, the credit union said.