DONATIONS

Unitus Community Credit Union, Portland, Ore., collected 4,000 items to donate to area charities during its annual charitable giving drive. Members and employees provided new clothing, food, toys, formula, diapers, toothbrushes, blankets and sleeping bags. One hundred pounds of cat and dog food was also collected at Unitus branches. Unitus delivered the items to SnowCap, Good Neighbor Center, Clackamas Women’s Services, Helping Hands and Share. The credit union also donated $5 for every new membership and checking account opened at each branch.Credit Union of Georgia, Woodstock, Ga., collected food, clothing, toys and monetary donations for three local families. The credit union staff collected and purchased more than $1,000 in items that included new outfits, pajamas, shoes, toys, books and food items for each family.California Agribusiness Credit Union, Buena Park, Calif., participated in Buena Park Police Departments’ annual adopt a family program. Credit union staff adopted Lila Galindo and her four boys, ages four to 12. Staff donated a $400 VISA gift card, a $100 Starter Brothers grocery store gift card, a Nintendo DS, a box of groceries and a toy for each child.Healthcare Associates Credit Union, Naperville, Ill., delivered toys and supplies for children to its member hospitals as part of share-a-smile. The idea for the share-a-smile project came from a loan department employee. The entire credit union staff participated in the project. More than 70% of the credit union employees had the opportunity to shop for and deliver the toys. Five area hospitals provided lists of items most needed, specifically focusing on pediatric wards and toys for children.Atlanta Postal Credit Union, Atlanta, gathered donations of nonperishable food and personal care items for the Helping Hands Food Pantry. Helping Hands provides temporary emergency help to the unemployed, underemployed, elderly and single parents. In November, the pantry’s stock was stolen, which left them hard-pressed to serve the needs of the community. Atlanta Postal staff members collected canned soup, chili, meats and tuna and dry goods to help replenish the items that were stolen. Employees also collected personal care items to rebuild the personal care kits that were also reported missing.

Providence Health System Federal Credit Union, Portland, Ore., donated and delivered Nintendo Wii gaming systems to three Providence ElderPlaces. ElderPlace is a program of health care and social services for older adults to help keep them healthy. The program provides primary and specialty medical care, a day health program, social work services, rehabilitation and housing. The credit union also donated an additional controller and a large pack of batteries.