CUs Support Community Members Battling Hunger, Financial Hardship

The $1.2 billion North Island Credit Union in San Diego and Support the Enlisted Project (STEP) recently brought the holiday spirit to more than 56 military families in need through STEP’s annual Sharing the Joy program. Joshua Rehhaut (left), school and community development officer for North Island and Jennifer Walker (right), senior school and community development officer for North Island distribute gift bags to a participating military family. STEP distributed more than 300 toys, diapers, food boxes and household items to young military and transitioning veteran families facing financial hardship at its holiday Warehouse on Wheels event. As a program partner, all 11 North Island branches in the greater San Diego area served as collection points for new, unwrapped toys, which were distributed during the event. STEP is a San Diego-based organization that helps junior enlisted service members.

President Daniel Cwalina (left) from the $184 million LorMet Community Federal Credit Union in Amhert, Ohio and Vice President Shavena Brown (right) present a $18,050 donation to Second Harvest President Julie Chase-Morefield (middle). Members of the credit union made contributions following their regular banking transactions, which the credit union then matched. Since 2016, the donation drive has raised more than $50,000 for the local food bank to provide over 250,000 meals to families at risk for hunger in the community.

Sterling Nielsen, president/CEO of the $9 billion Mountain America Credit Union in Sandy, Utah, presents a $5,000 check to Utah Parent Center as part of “Pass It Along,” a program sponsored by the credit union and Utah Jazz. It features fan-nominated opportunities that reward five local charitable organizations with $5,000 each. Pass It Along has contributed $170,000 to local nonprofits since its inception in 2013. The Utah Parent Center helps parents provide children, youth and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to live included and productive lives as members of the community. It accomplishes its mission by providing accurate information, empathetic peer support, valuable training and effective advocacy based on the concept of parents helping parents.

As part of their continued efforts to support the St. Louis metro community, employees from the $2.7 billion First Community Credit Union in Chesterfield, Mo., present a $10,000 check to local organization Friends of Kids with Cancer. This organization works with families to provide support and resources when a child is battling cancer. First Community employees participated by making a monetary donation in exchange for two weeks’ worth of dress down days during the Christmas and New Year holidays. All proceeds raised for Friends of Kids with Cancer stay in the St. Louis community. The public can find information on ways to support this organization on its website including two upcoming events: The Young Friends annual “VooDoo in the Lou” event on Feb. 8 and a trivia night on March 28.

On Jan. 15, 2020, the $204 million First Capital Federal Credit Union in York, Penn., donated hats and mittens to West York Area School District, an annual occurrence for more than 20 years. The cold weather gear was collected at all First Capital branches throughout the holidays. From left to right are Dr. Todd Davies, West York area school district superintendent; Eric Deaner, marketing and business development specialist and Lisa Barshinger, community and business development manager.

During the holiday season, the $1.2 billion Suffolk Federal Credit Union in Medford, N.Y., joined forces with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and raised $5,932 for its Holidays for Kids Sake program. From left, Keith Miller, EVP and chief lending officer at Suffolk Federal and BBBSLI CEO Mark Cox pose with the check.

Please send your Community news items to Tahira Hayes at thayes@cutimes.com.