Connie Bethurum, a member of the $193 million Eagle Community Credit Union in Lake Forest, Calif., recently won the keys to a 2011 Nissan Sentra.

Autoland Inc., a Chatsworth, Calif.-based car-buying service, presented the keys and the car to Bethurum, who was selected among hundreds of thousands of entries in its Member Giveaway Sweepstakes, according to the company.

“You always hope that somebody who really needs it wins these things – I can't believe it's me,” said Bethurum, who has been a member of Eagle Community for more than 27 years.

In addition to the vehicle from Autoland, she received $1,500 from Eagle Community to be used for vehicle tax, title and registration expenses.

“These are the moments that make us all proud to be a part of the credit union industry,” said Emily Friesen, vice president of marketing for Eagle Community. “We're all here to make members' lives better. Autoland is more than a good business partner; their generosity will have a lasting impact on Connie's family.”

More than 270 credit unions participated in Autoland's sweepstakes, according to the company. The contest also featured monthly prizes of $150 in gas cards.