El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, Texas, recently donated $10,000 to Community Partners of El Paso's Rainbow Room. This is the fifth year that the El Paso Employees FCU staff raised funds to benefit the children and families of the Rainbow Room, a program created by Community Partners to fill a gap in services to abused and neglected children. The CU also awarded $20,000 in scholarships to eight graduating high school seniors and six undergraduate students. Montrose Federal Credit Union, Montrose, Colo., recently awarded its first ever scholarship awards. Two lucky individuals, who are members of the CU, received a $1,000 scholarship toward higher education. Heather Webb and AJ Satur each received a $1,000 scholarship from the CU. Pacific Service Credit Union, Fresno, Calif., recently made a donation that provided $20,000 in school supplies for more than 3,000 children enrolled in Fresno County Economics Opportunities Commission Head Start. Head Start provides low-income children a good foundation for early learning and development. Each child received a school bag that contained basic educational supplies including, pencils, crayons, rulers, coloring books and reading books. Each child also received a piggy bank to teach them the importance of saving. Memphis Area Teachers' Credit Union, Memphis, Tenn., awarded seven $2,500 scholarships to students who plan to pursue a career in teaching. The recipients received a $2,500 annual, renewable scholarship. Winners can receive up to $10,000 over four years as long as guidelines continue to be met. MATCU sponsors five of the seven scholarships and thanks to the generous support of Dr. Frank Dyer, a member of the CU's board, two additional scholarships are awarded. The recipients were chosen for their academic achievements, interest in pursuing a career in education and civic volunteer efforts. The recipients are: Emily Babin, Jalencia Burchett, Jessica Joyner, Marian Ray, Brennan Wade, Jessica Wright and Lauren Price. SC Telco Federal Credit Union, Greenville, S.C., recently awarded Davis Goforth and Andrew Johnson each a $1,000 Excellence in Education Scholarship at its annual meeting. SC Telco created the scholarship with the goal of providing assistance to members who wish to pursue a college degree. Since 2001, SC Telco has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to help its members with educational expenses. U.S. New Mexico Federal Credit Union's Community Involvement Committee, Albuquerque, N.M., donated over $18,000 to charitable organizations in 2005. The committee is comprised of credit union employees who donate their time organizing and running fundraising events throughout the year. Donations were made to Casa Angelica, UNM Children's Hospital, American Cancer Society, Presbyterian Hospice, Joy Junction, Carrie Tingley Foundation, Rio Grande Food Project and the Salvation Army. In addition to donations, credit union employees participated in: The Bowl for Kids Sake for Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Making Strides Against Breast Cancer; Mudd Volleyball tournament (all proceeds went to Carrie Tingley Children's Hospital); Car Wash for Joy Junction; School Supply Drive; Make a Difference Day; and Animal Humane Society's Doggie Dash and Dawdle. The CU also donated approximately 50 computers and 30 printers to local schools and needy families and CU employees also pledged over $10,000 through payroll deductions to United Way. Employees and members of Advance Financial Federal Credit Union, Highland, Ind., participated in the March of Dimes' "Walk America 2006," a nine-mile walk throughout the community. This year's Advance Financial "Walk America" team raised more than $1,000 in support of March of Dimes' research and programs that help fight threats to the health of the 470,000 babies in the U.S. who are born too soon every year. To raise the funds, Advance Financial's team solicited donations for their participation in the walk, and offered collectible plush bean bag bears in their three offices during the weeks leading up to the event. Georgia Federal Credit Union, Duluth, Ga., recently partnered with the American Red Cross by adopting a local donor center to give the gift of life. GFCU's corporate employees participated along with others from the Credit Union Affiliates and CUNA Mutual Group. There were approximately 20 participants that gave blood which will be used to help save the lives of up to 60 people. Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, Lawrenceville, Ga., has recently awarded a total of $18,000 in student scholarships. Nine $2,000 Legacy Scholarships went to high school seniors who will be majoring in education and plan to return to Georgia to teach. This scholarship honors past and present board members who have served for over 20 years and credit union employees who have 30 years or more of service. Founders Federal Credit Union, Lancaster, S.C., sponsored the 2nd Annual Girls on the Run 5K Family Run/Walk and Fitness Celebration recently. Despite the bad weather, Founders employees worked under a tent for the entire event to speak with the young girls about how Founders can help them save their money for a rainy day. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The Annual 5K Run is an annual event that includes participants from local Girls on the Run councils as well as their family members.