"It is wonderful to see how the students came together to make a difference in their local community. The philosophy of people helping people is what credit unions are based upon. It's great to see it starting at such a young age," Genisys CU President/CEO Jackie Buchanan said.

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union wrapped up its annual Warming Hearts and Hands campaign with over 1,000 new hats, gloves, mittens and scarves collected for students in need.

The winter accessories were delivered to the Student Service Offices in the following Maryland counties: Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's and Talbot. 

Educational Systems FCU has sponsored the Warming Hearts and Hands campaign for the past two years. This year, credit union employees raised nearly $4,000 to help purchase items. In addition, members of Educational Systems FCU were invited to drop off new winter accessories at the Credit Union's branches.

"Our core purpose is serving the education community," President/CEO Chris Conway said. "We started Warming Hearts and Hands because the school systems and community colleges we serve told us that their students needed cold weather items to help them stay warm in the winter. We are pleased that our members and employees generously donated to Warming Hearts and Hands, which helped a record number of students this holiday season."

Over 10,000 people celebrated the start of the holiday season in Northeast Philadelphia at American Heritage Federal Credit Union's Annual Grand Illumination Tree Lighting and Fireworks Symphony.

Guests enjoyed the sounds of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and The Fife and Drums of the Old Barracks before Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross counted down the lighting of the credit union's 40-foot Christmas tree, which was illuminated with more than 35,000 lights.

The tree lighting triggered the evening's grand finale, a spectacular fireworks show set to the music of the HBO series "John Adams."

Guests were asked to bring donations of canned or dry foods as admission to the event to support Philabundance. The credit union also raised $2,000 for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia through onsite donations.

Credit unions didn't forget the troops this holiday season.

Robins Federal Credit Union staffers created 50 care packages for deployed troops stationed overseas during the holidays. The packages contained personal care items and snack foods.

"We have participated in this project for several years. We are proud to provide deployed troops a little piece of home during the holiday season. It's a small way for us to say thank you for their dedication and sacrifice," President/CEO John Rhea said.

In St. Louis, Vantage Credit Union employees and members joined forces to collect some 300 items to send to U.S. troops overseas. Among the items donated were a Keurig coffee pot, food, magazines, footballs, card games, warm socks and gloves.

The care packages were assembled for A Soldier's Wish List, an organization the credit union learned of through the St. Louis USO at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport. The USO chose an Army Chaplain's troop serving over 500 military personnel in Afghanistan for Vantage to "adopt".

 "It's never fun to be away from your family for extended periods of time, especially around the holidays," Credit Union Insurance Agency Assistant Manager Nicole Nill said.  "What better way to boost their spirits than to send unexpected gifts during the holidays?" 

In Montgomery, Ala.,  MAX through its MAX4Kids Foundation, hosted the MAX4Kids Toy Drive benefitting two, local non-profits: Common Ground Montgomery's 9th Annual Christmas Store and Big House Foundation's Santa's Workshop.

Both Common Ground Montgomery's Christmas store and Big House Foundation's Santa's Workshop offer families in need the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for kids at an affordable rate.  

It was a team effort as hundreds of toys were collected for the toy drive. The MAX4Kids Foundation also donated more than $2,500 to allow MAX team members to shop for toys for both organizations.

"In a season where it is very easy to lose sight of what's most important, we are so thankful for the generosity of MAX team members, customers, and the community," Sandra Stenger, MAX chief talent officer and MAX4Kids vice president said. "We were thrilled to see our team members donate toys to the toy drive as well as give up time to shop for the kids."

People's Trust Federal Credit Union got creative by hosting a Santa, Selfies and Jammies event to help get locals in the holiday spirit.

"We wanted to do something fun and affordable for our members and the families of the Houston community during the holidays," Patrick Flynn, marketing manager at the Houston-based credit union said.

Inspired by the popular #XMAS JAMMIES Merry Christmas YouTube video by the Holderness family, he added who doesn't  love Christmas jammies, selfies and Santa?

The event included a photo with Santa, breakfast and kid activities all for a donation of only $15. All proceeds were donated to the People's Trust Foundation, which awards thousands of dollars of local scholarships annually, and the Houston Area Women's Center Holiday Gift Express toy drive project.

The Houston Chapter of Credit Unions was also busy this holiday season.

Chapter credit unions joined forces and collected over 800 toys for the KHOU Channel 11 "Spirit of Texas Toy Drive" benefiting the Salvation Army. Toys were donated by employees, members, family, and friends at credit union  branch locations throughout the Greater Houston Area.

"Teaming up with the KHOU Channel 11 Spirit of Texas Toy Drive for such a worthy cause really benefits our community and can make a huge difference in a child's holiday", Valarie Brittain, vice president of human resources at Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union and community involvement chairperson for Houston Chapter of Credit Unions. "The toy drive is one of many efforts that the Chapter participates in to support the community and enhance the quality of life in the Greater Houston Area."

She added that Enterprise Car Sales was a vital partner in the effort as its team  of staffers picked up the toys from credit union drop off sites throughout the city of Houston",  and that "Enterprise is a great partner and the Houston Chapter appreciates their help!"

The Houston Chapter is comprised of more than 100 credit unions in the greater Houston area.

First Tech Federal Credit Union helped spread the holiday magic with its third annual Season of Giving.

Focused on three cause areas of education, child health and basic human needs, First Tech contributed more than $1.7 million to local communities in 2015.

"We're so proud of our employees and members for their dedication and contributions to our communities, not only during the holidays but year-round," Greg Mitchell, president/CEO said. "This season, the First Tech family is paying it forward by donating toys at their local branches and giving airline miles to Make-A-Wish. These gifts will bring joy and make a tangible difference in the lives of children."

Throughout the holiday season, the credit union supported 20 nonprofits and organizations. Donations provided more than 80,000 meals, 1,257 toys, 100 computer and scientific equipment and training for teachers and more.

What started as a small-scale gift-giving drive at CoastHills Credit Union blossomed into a company-wide effort that made a big difference for kids in four Central Coast communities this holiday season.

The CoastHills Culture Advisory Team collected more than 220 new, unwrapped presents and gift cards for local underprivileged youth. The presents were delivered to Boys and Girls Club sites in Oceano, Guadalupe, Santa Maria and Lompoc.

It was the first time the credit union has attempted a gift drive of this magnitude. Given the success of its toy drive to help a local homeless shelter in need of gifts for children spending the holiday there last year, CAT members were inspired to think bigger this year.  All gifts were purchased and donated directly by CoastHills employees. The drive encompassed all ages but also placed a special emphasis on teens, an age group typically underserved in holiday gift drives.

 "We have such dedicated and giving co-workers, we knew it would be a terrific idea to expand the concept company-wide," CAT co-chairperson Christina Tonoli said. "We couldn't be happier with the turnout, and it's heartwarming to know how many kids we made a difference for this holiday season."

In Eau Claire, Wis., Royal Credit Union made the holiday season a little brighter for its Facebook followers with an innovative and fun social media campaign.

Royal's 12 days of Giving Campaign #RoyalChristmas, #Royals12DaysOfGiving, ran December 7-22.

Over $1,000 in prizes were given away over the course of the promotion. Followers were asked to like the post and comment on a specific question.

During the 12 Days of Giving, the number of Royal's Facebook followers grew by nearly 18%, now totaling over 15,000.

"The response to this campaign was phenomenal," Andrea Finn, digital marketing manager said. "The responses were so heartwarming and the winners were genuinely thrilled with the prizes they won."

Prizes ranged from cash, to gift cards, to one of the season's hottest and hardest to find toys, Pie Face!. Overall the campaign reached nearly 350,000 people and gained 16,800 likes, 15,700 comments and 6,200 shares.

"We saw a 10.74% engagement rate, which is very exciting," Finn said. "This campaign was new for us and we are thrilled with the results. We will definitely bring it back next year."

Hundreds of residents of Middletown, Calif. and surrounding communities were able to enjoy the annual Christmas in Middletown holiday celebration this year, even in the wake of the devastating fires that decimated many areas of Lake County earlier this fall.

This year's event, held on December 12, was made possible by the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund — a relief fund created by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund, Inc. in partnership with Redwood Credit Union, the Press Democrat, and Senator Mike McGuire.

The Fund collected more than $2.2 million dollars toward fire relief efforts, thanks to the generous contributions of more than 12,000 donors from throughout California and beyond.

A free community lunch at the South Lake County Fire Station in Middletown helped kick off the event. Some 300 people gathered for a free pasta meal provided by The Pasta King, Art Ibleto.

Senator McGuire, RCU President/CEO Brett Martinez, and Press Democrat Publisher Steve Falk acknowledged the resiliency of the community and recognized firefighters and other first responders as heroes of the fires. Martinez read letters of support from people who donated to the Fire Relief Fund, including children who had held fundraisers and pitched in their own money to help.

"These are your letters, written to you," Martinez told the attendees. "Many people care about this community."

The evening event also promoted the Shop Middletown campaign, which hopes to bring much-needed commerce to the local businesses who were affected by the fires.

"This event wouldn't have been possible this year if it weren't for the generosity of the over twelve thousand donors to the Lake County Fire Victims Fund," Martinez said. "It was a wonderful opportunity to help bring holiday cheer to the Lake County community as they begin their recovery from the fires and get back on their feet."