Heritage Credit Union, Madison, Wis., held a school supply drive to benefit children in need on Madison's Northside. The event took place at HCU's Shopko Drive branch during the first few weeks of August and supplies were given to Sherman Middle School. HCU members and staff were encouraged to bring school supplies into the branch to be distributed by Sherman Middle School to children in need. As a result of many generous donations, many large and small school items were collected. The donations included backpacks, notebooks, scissors, folders, markers, pencils and many other items.

Illinois Credit Union League, Napervillle, Ill., recently collected 700 pounds of food and $500 for the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Nonperishable items, such as canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals, tuna, peanut butter and cereal were among the most needed items collected in the drive. This was the second food drive held by ICUL employees in as many years. Named the 2010 food bank of the year by Feeding America, Northern Illinois has distributed more than 36.5 million pounds of food so far in 2010 to more than 520 food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens and other food assistance sites in 13 northern Illinois counties. More than 502,000 people receive food assistance each year through NIFB and its hunger-fighting network.

San Antonio Credit Union, San Antonio, and KENS 5 television station began their 12th year of honoring excellence in public schools through their award winning ExCEL Award program. Superintendents and administrators from 19 area districts joined SACU and KENS leaders at a breakfast, held at the Oak Hills Country Club. This year's program will include SACU Piggy Bank Financial Tips, aired monthly on “Great Day SA,” and a new opportunity for viewers to become involved through the “Recognize Your Teacher” program, in which individuals can visit KENS5.com and write a tribute to a special teacher who has had an impact on their lives. Since 1999, SACU and KENS have recognized 209 teachers with a trophy and a check. Approximately every two weeks, SACU and KENS recognize one of the district educators with a Golden Apple trophy made by the company who creates the Oscar for the Academy Awards, a cash award for $1,000 and featured air time on Eyewitness News at 6 p.m.

Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, Lowell, Mass., announced the winner of its “Kids in Action” summer 2010 community service project. William Gris?, age 12, of Dracut, Mass., was awarded the grand prize of $150 for his entry and a matching $150 was awarded to William's selected charity, St. Vincent de Paul Society through St. Francis Church in Dracut, Mass. The award ceremony was held at Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union's new corporate headquarters at One Tremont Place in Lowell. William won the Kids in Action project challenge for his idea of “Project Hope Chest,” using the slogan “Our stash for your cash.” By selling used toys, video games, and books and having a donation jar, William raised $136 for his charity, which he chose in memory of his grandfather. It was his grandfather's favorite charity.