Massachusetts Credit Unions Achieve $2 Million Milestone

Since they began supporting a statewide charity two decades ago, Massachusetts credit unions have reached a milestone of raising more than $2 million that supports ‘A Bed for Every Child’ initiative run by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, the Cooperative Credit Union Association announced Tuesday.

“The idea of so many children throughout Massachusetts not having their own bed is unimaginable,” CCUA President/CEO Ronald McLean said. “Massachusetts credit unions have banned together to ensure every child has a place to dream. We believe in the good work that the coalition accomplishes and are happy to do our part in helping children get a good night’s sleep to prepare them for a better future.”

In addition to the $2 million raised, credit unions of the Bay State also have provided blankets, toys and books to help families in need. ‘A Bed for Every Child’ program reaches all cities and towns across Massachusetts.

The program began when a concerned inner-city public-school teacher reached out to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. The teacher saw an increase in the number of students who did not have a bed of their own. As a result, these students were coming to school tired and not ready to learn.

“There is no one face to a child receiving a bed, but they do have one thing in common, and that is, they are growing up on poverty in Massachusetts,” Robyn Frost, executive director for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, said. “The ability for ‘A Bed for Every Child’ to keep up with the demand continues to outpace the coalition’s capacity. We are extremely fortunate to have Massachusetts credit unions as our partner.”

In addition to serving Massachusetts credit unions, CCUA also serves cooperatives in Delaware, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.