Members of the $850 million Local Government Federal Credit Union have raised more than $250,000 for the NC State Firefighters Association through a specially designated debit card promoted for that purpose.

The Raleigh, North Carolina based credit union has issued 4,000 of the bright red cards to members who asked for them since the program launched in 2003. Members who use the card, which the CU colored red to call to mind red firefighter helmets, raise money for firefighters every time they use the card because the CU donates 50% of interchange from each card transaction to the association.

"We are so pleased that our partnership with the NCSFA is generating about $20,000 per quarter for them," said LGFCU President Maurice Smith. "This money is used in direct support of our state's firefighters, who put their lives on the line everyday protecting property and the public's safety. As this benefits them, it in turn benefits all North Carolina communities."