Altura, OnPoint, SECU, Others Give Back

Jennifer Binkley, president/CEO at the $1.3 billion Altura Credit Union in Riverside, Calif., participates in an awards ceremony at Hemet’s West Valley High School, where she awarded eight scholarships to graduating seniors. Scholarships of $1,000 were awarded to 50 students this year to students graduating from Riverside County public and private high schools who plan to attend college in the fall. This year, 30 are general scholarships, five are for students in the AVID program and 10 scholarships are designated for students planning to attend the University of California, Riverside.

The $38 billion State Employees’ Credit Union in Raleigh, N.C., employees celebrate another successful year of fundraising for March of Dimes. Staff in the Triangle and surrounding areas raised nearly $50,000 through a variety of efforts, including organized fundraisers and individual donations. SECU employees also came out in full force for this year’s March for Babies walk, setting a new record with 350 credit union employees and family members hiking three miles together in honor of those affected by premature birth. Participating in March for Babies walks in the Triangle and around the state has been an annual tradition of SECU staff for decades. Branch and operations employees donate their time and talent to raise funds year-round for the non-profit’s programs and services dedicated to giving babies a strong, healthy future.

Inspired by a foundation built by educators and a dedication to citizenship, the $464 million Peach State Federal Credit Union in Lawrenceville, Ga., partnered with The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program to educate children about the money management concept, “Save, Share, Spend, Earn.” The program includes the Credit Union Financial Literacy Series of books featuring the beloved Berenstain Bears, the Cub Account, and associated lesson plans and activities developed by early childhood education experts. As part of the program, Peach State will now offer a Cub Account, a savings account available for children up to age 13. Children who open Cub Accounts will receive a special Welcome Kit that includes a piggy bank, “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Credit Union” book and special membership card. Members of the credit union’s business development team will share the program when visiting schools, libraries and events that offer an opportunity for financial literacy.

Staff from First Capital Federal Credit Union in York, Penn., volunteer to help the York County Department of Parks and Recreation during the United Way Day of Action. The First Capital team painted picnic tables and a pavilion at the Seven Valleys stop along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. The day of action is one of the largest volunteer events in York County. Nearly 1,000 people participated in 77 projects across York County and managers at First Capital did their part to help out. The Heritage Rail Trail extends more than 21 miles through York County. The trail is designed for hiking, bicycling, running and horseback riding, as well as winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snow shoeing.

Employees from the $1.3 billion Hanscom Federal Credit Union in Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., present a $1,000 check to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance to celebrate the grand opening of Hanscom’s newest branch at Coast Guard Base Boston. The check was accepted by Captain James “Brett” Millican, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Base Boston. The check was presented during the credit union’s grand opening of its Coast Guard branch in Boston. CGMA is the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, which provides financial aid to the entire Coast Guard family. It promotes financial stability and general well-being through interest-free loans, grants and financial counseling.

The $5.3 billion OnPoint Community Credit Union in Portland, Ore., is the new title sponsor for Oregon high school state championships, as part of a five-year partnership agreement between OnPoint and the Oregon School Activities Association. Under the partnership agreement, OnPoint will be the title sponsor of all state championship events through 2023. OnPoint and the OSAA will work together to promote financial education and literacy in high schools, including offering resources to classrooms across the state and OnPoint will be the title sponsor of the OSAA Scholar Program. New to the program are college grants awarded by OnPoint and the OSAA Foundation to six qualifying students. OnPoint will be the title sponsor of the OSAA Academic All-State Program, which recognizes the boys and girls team in each OSAA-sanctioned activity with the highest grade point average. Through donations, OnPoint will support the Student Assistance Program, which helps provide athletic gear to students in need.