MEDFORD, N.Y.-Suffolk FCU is supporting the local Girl Scouts here, and the $900-million CU is doing a lot more than buying their cookies.
SFCU has introduced a debit card that carries the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County branding, and for every signature swipe five cents goes to the local council. John Barrie, AVP-marketing, said the decision was made not only to support the Scouts, but to increase debit transactions and gain more members.
"Much of this is community involvement," said Barrie. "But the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County have 9,000 adult volunteers who work with 40,000 girls and their families. A large number of adults have the opportunity to join the credit union and we can raise money for the Girl Scouts, too."
Barrie added that the promotion sends a contrasting message to what banks are doing now-charging fees. For several years SFCU has had in place a debit rewards program that returns five cents for every debit signature swipe up to $350 per year. The card is attached to the credit union's free checking account. Barrie explained the Girl Scouts offer is the same program, but gives the five cents to the council.
The arrangement came about because the president of the board of directors of the local Girl Scouts council is a member of the credit union. "She made the suggestion and we liked it," explained Barrie, who said it was too soon to gauge results.
SFCU is advertising the program via its website, e-mails to Girl Scouts volunteers and Scout families. "We will put an ad in the Girl Scouts' newsletter, and we made up some cardboard debit cards to give to Girl Scouts volunteers to take around the city," said Barrie.
Barrie noted that there is one more thing the credit union is doing to support the Scouts. "Some of the Girls Scout troops located near our branches asked if they could sell their cookies in our offices. We said, 'No problem.'"
