We don’t want to forget the great humanitarian deeds of the past, but we wanted to clean up our blog. So this is a consolidation of September 2020 Humanitarian Highlights.
January 7, Let’s Begin
Happy #HumanitarianHighlight, everyone! How are you all doing? In today’s blog, we highlighted a few #creditunions who have exhibited outstanding work within their communities! Well done #CUfamily! Let’s begin this praise for some great credit unions!
Suffolk Federal Credit Union
Suffolk FCU has donated $2,500 to the Community Housing Innovation’s (CHI) Homeownership Counseling & Education Program! “The White Plains, N.Y.-based CHI offers a counseling and education program for first-time homeowners, and down payment and closing cost assistance for income-eligible households on Long Island, N.Y., as well as for those in Westchester and the Hudson Valley.” CUTimes
First Capital Federal Credit Union
Making sure everyone in their community is well taken care of, First Capital FCU donated canned food items to help support the West York Area School District Bulldog Pantry! “The Bulldog Pantry supplies needed items to families and students in the school district on the first Thursday of each month. And, Life Skills class students work at the pantry to learn valuable lessons on the value of hard work and supporting those in need.” CUTimes
Gesa Credit Union
Continuing support for their community, Gesa CU’s Turkey Trot is a SIGNATURE Tri-Cities event held every year! Due to COVID-19, the event will be going virtual this year, but don’t let that shy you away from the fun-filled community tradition! Choosing to run either the mile or the 5k, runners can participate between Monday, November 23rd, and Sunday, November 29th. “We are extremely grateful to Gesa Credit Union for their continued support and commitment to still host this virtual event despite not being able to gather in person as a community,” said Michele Roth, Executive Director for our local American Red Cross chapter. “The Turkey Trot has been a long-standing Tri-Cities tradition, and although it will look different this year, it is still a great way to celebrate the holiday and support the important work of the Red Cross in our local community.” The quote is taken from NBC 23
Neighbors Federal Credit Union
For the past 12 years, Neighbors FCU has partnered up with WBRZ as a sponsor for [sic] Coats for Kids. They accepted donations at all 10 locations throughout the Greater Baton Rouge Area! “For 32 years, Pat’s Coats for Kids has provided a warm jacket to children in our community. It takes only $20 to give a kid a new coat in the proper size. During the cold months of December through April, we know that there are kids in the Baton Rouge community who do not have coats, whose parents cannot afford coats, kids who start their day at a bus stop shivering, and kids who enter a school needing time to “warm up” to start their classes.” WBRZ 2
First New York Federal Credit Union
Due to COVID-19, this year has been very hard on us all. Now, with students going back to school a few times a week while other days are spent at home learning, many don’t have the supplies they need to get through the school week. Knowing this, First New York FCU donated 450 backpacks filled with supplies (1,200 pocket folders, 900 spiral notebooks, and 700 highlighters), to the Schenectady City School District!
Common Trust Federal Credit Union
Supporting their community, Common Trust FCU has once again renewed its support for nonprofit health care as a Platinum Sponsor of the Step Out for Hospice Virtual Wellness Event. “We are grateful for Common Trust’s ongoing generosity as a key sponsor of our annual benefit. All the money raised through Step Out for Hospice will help our healthcare heroes provide care, support, and comfort to people of all ages with a life-limiting illness,” said Laura Wise, Manager of Fund Development.
GAC – We all know that GAC is March 2-4, 2021. Who else is excited?!
“Let’s Begin” is a way of life for credit unions. We are always looking for ways to start deeds of greatness in this community.
January 14, Fuel the Light
It is time for this week’s #HumanitarianHighlight, you guys! We are so excited to present to you all of these amazing #creditunions and the #CUdifference they have all made in their communities. Let’s get started, shall we?! Also, if you know of a #creditunion that has positively impacted their community, tag us and let us know so we can ensure they get recognized! Let’s see how they fuel the light!
Volt Credit Union
Giving back to the children in their community, Volt Credit Union presented a check of $10,000 to The Child Advocacy Center, Inc. The amount was donated by Volt’s members, others in their local community, and those donations were matched by the Volt Foundation.
TruStone Financial Federal Credit Union
TruStone Financial FCU, TruStone Home Mortgage, and the TruStone Financial Foundation came together and provided close to 1,000 toys, and were able to donate $1,750 to charity just in time for the holidays. The donations that were gathered from their branches were then given to Toys for Tots, as well as the Salvation Army of Cold Spring.
“TruStone Financial established the TruStone Foundation in 2009 to reinforce its commitment to financial education. With strong ties and a healthy respect for education at all levels, the Foundation funds scholarships and financial literacy programs in the classroom and beyond. We believe by supporting our future leaders, our local communities will become stronger.” TruStone Financial Foundation
Glendale Federal Credit Union
Lending a helping hand, Glendale FCU members and their staff took it upon themselves to donate needed items such as blankets, socks, towels, and stuffed animals for the children to the Glendale Police Officers’ Association and their “Cops for Kids” program.
“The ‘Cops for Kids’ Program targets the needs of the community’s underprivileged, disabled, hospitalized, and at-risk children, as well as those who are victims of accidents and/or crimes. Every year, members of the Glendale Police Department adopt families during the holidays, providing Christmas trees, gifts, and holiday meals. The Glendale Police Officers’ Association has distributed over 20,000 toys to children throughout the community as a result of the generosity of Glendale citizens and businesses.” Glendale Police Officers’ Association
Cobalt Credit Union
Helping out our nation’s heroes, Cobalt Credit Union teamed up with the SAC Foundation and collected basic household and food items for donation to the Veterans at Victory Apartment in Omaha and Victory Park Apartment in Lincoln.
“SAC Foundation is the charitable arm of Cobalt Credit Union and a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are a separate, independent entity operated by our own Board of Directors, comprised of Cobalt Credit Union employees. We have a mission to be a steward of economic and social sustainability in the communities we serve. Our ongoing partnership with Cobalt Credit Union and its employees helps further our mission.” Cobalt Credit Union
Cal State L.A. Federal Credit Union
With the year 2020 throwing so many unforeseen challenges families’ ways, Cal State L.A. FCU partnered with the Para Los Niños Organization and participated in their Adopt-a-Family program, which helps provide gifts for families in need. Cal State L.A. FCU was able to donate a list of items ranging from household items to toys on the children’s wish lists.
“In 1980, Para Los Niños was founded with the simple idea of creating a safe space for the children of Skid Row to ‘just be a kid.” Building on the importance of a healthy, stable home and the idea of education as an equalizer, Para Los Niños has since become a leading organization serving thousands in Los Angeles.” Para Los Niños
Fond du Lac Credit Union
During the holiday season, Fond du Lac CU hosted a canned food drive for the Solutions Center, where, with the help of their members, staff, and the local community, they were able to donate close to 500 needed items to families in need.
“Solutions Center offers a multitude of services to those dealing with domestic abuse and homelessness. Our staff is made up of caring and dedicated professionals, on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to work closely with those in crisis. Our professionals understand that every situation is different, and services are personalized to each individual who needs assistance.”
Honor Credit Union
The restaurant industry has been hit hard during this pandemic, and Honor Credit Union went to great lengths to support its local restaurants and small businesses in its community by providing much-needed relief. The funds raised went directly to employees in the restaurant business.
January 21, Helping Others Grow
Another week, another #HumanitarianHighlight where we showcase all of the fantastic efforts put forth by our #CUfamily. Helping others grow is what the #CUdifference is all about. Oak Tree is grateful to be a part of this community! If you know a credit union that has gone above and beyond in making a #CUdifference, use our hashtag #HumanitarianHighlight to let us know about it, so we can give them a shout-out! Credit unions are about helping others grow!
1st Community Credit Union
Wanting to help local organizations during these times, all three of 1st Community Credit Union’s branches came together and were able to successfully donate a total of $9,000 to organizations in their local community, including the Tomah, West Salem, and Sparta regions.
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Affinity Plus FCU generously donated a $2,000 Campus Scholarship to a student in their community who is studying music education. This donation came from the Affinity Plus Foundation, where their mission is to “Engage, Educate, and Empower. Supporting students, educators, and community organizations in their pursuit to better themselves and their communities.” Affinity Plus Foundation
Ascend Federal Credit Union
The largest CU in Middle Tennessee, Ascend FCU, amazingly came up with a donation of $50,000 to present to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Ascend has always shown its support and admiration for the hospital and what it stands for.
“Ascend is committed to supporting organizations that are making a difference in the lives of people in our community and the state of Tennessee. Because of the work being done by the hospital, children receive the care they need regardless of their families’ ability to pay. We are honored to help fund their team’s pioneering research into finding innovative ways to cure and prevent disease.” Caren Gabriel, Ascend president and CEO
Visions Federal Credit Union
During these cold winter months, Visions’ Apalachin and Owego offices teamed up and collected donations, which included scarves, hats, gloves, and boots to keep those in need warm. They were also able to make a donation of $500 to be used for purchasing children’s coats, which would go to the students of the Apalachin-Owego School District.
TopLine Federal Credit Union
This year, TopLine rings in their 22nd Annual Holiday Gift Drive, and a very successful one at that! They were able to fulfill six holiday wish lists for young families in their community, donate over 540 gifts, donate 185 handmade scarves, and came up with $660 in gift cards as well as over $600 in cash to their charitable partners. All of these amazing gifts truly made for a special holiday for families in their local communities.
Firefly Credit Union
During Firefly’s 4 Days of Giving, their Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council was able to donate a total of $10,000 to four deserving organizations, with each organization receiving a donation of $2,500. The organizations included were Youth Link, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Community Bridge, and YMCA. “We are thrilled to donate to four local minority and women-sponsored organizations that make such a positive impact on our communities.” Reyna Staats, Head of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council.
San Diego County Credit Union
SDCCU partnered with 103.7 KSON Radio and proudly supported St. Jude’s 33rd Annual Radiothon. Members of the credit union and the local community were encouraged to help raise awareness and contribute, if they could, to the cause. With all the support behind them and a reason to give, they were able to raise $240,582 in donations to help save children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
“The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder, Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion, or a family’s ability to pay.” St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
January 28, Soaring to New Heights
Press play and see what our #CUfamilies have done to help their communities soar to new heights in this week’s #HumanitarianHighlight! Is your credit union soaring to new heights?
If you see a #creditunion making a difference, let Oak Tree know so we can give them the recognition they deserve!
Chartway Federal Credit Union
Chartway’s charitable arm, We Promise Foundation, and its board of trustees have donated an outstanding $600,000 grant to ensure that children who are facing medical hardship or illness can experience the joy and hope that they deserve.
“2020 was certainly a year like no other,” said Brian Schools, President and CEO of Chartway FCU. “Every day brought new challenges, which is why we’re more grateful than ever for the support of our sponsors, partners, members, volunteers, and team members who helped us navigate the unprecedented global health pandemic to raise more than $600,000.”
“We are proud to partner with so many charitable organizations that seek to do good and change the world for children facing medical hardship.” Karen Lane, Executive Director of Chartway’s We Promise Foundation.
Skyward Credit Union
Skyward CU lends a helping hand to their community and gives a donation of $9,000 to Consumer Counseling Services of Kansas. This is a locally run non-profit organization, and they offer resources dedicated to providing financial stability to Kansas families in need.
Indiana Members Credit Union
IMCU generously presented a check for $1,500 to their local Cardinal Ritter High School, which participates in an ongoing school spirit debit card program. Since the beginning of the program in 2018, Cardinal Ritter High School has earned $3,000 through this IMCU giveback program. The partnership allows fans of the high school to show their school spirit and support the athletic program by signing up for a Raiders-themed debit card, and every time the card is used as a signature-based transaction, Cardinal Athletics benefits. Truly soaring to new heights!
Maui County Federal Credit Union
Wanting to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Maui County CU held a “virtual day of service” project to give back to people in their community who are struggling. The participants put together bags with needed items, including personal hygiene products and non-perishable food items. These bags were later distributed to those in need in the surrounding areas.
Kinecta Federal Credit Union
Giving back in a big way, Kinecta FCU’s 47th Annual Holiday Food Drive had major success. With the help of their employees, members, local community, sponsors, corporate donors, and individual donors, they collectively raised over $94,200, which aided more than 1,000 local families who are facing food insecurity.
Greater Texas Federal Credit Union
Greater Texas FCU matched $5,000 in donations to Austin Disaster Relief Network as part of ADRN’s Giving Tuesday campaign. Their program partners with churches and volunteers in the Greater Austin area to serve those in crisis by providing immediate monetary, housing, and counseling resources, as well as long-term repairing and rebuilding.
GreenState Credit Union
GreenState CU gifted a check of $100,000 to support a very critical fund within the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The children’s hospital has a fund that has been dwindling due to the strain of COVID-19 cases. The donation is the largest gift to date from this account.
“Thank you to GreenState Credit Union for providing our patients and families with support during these difficult times, made even more challenging by the pandemic.” University of Iowa Center for Advancement President and CEO Lynette Marshall.
(Note: these are older blog entries and have been edited since originally posted.)
Oak Tree Business Systems, Inc.
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