More ways to give back: Credit unions in the community
September 8, 2017 9:15 AM
BRETT ALAN CHRISTLIEB
Chili Challenge heats up
San Diego-based Xpress Data, Inc., recently held its Fifth Annual XDI Credit Union Chili Challenge, which drew 22 CU teams to the Del Mar Race Track. Los Angeles-based Firefighters First CU won First Place in the judged competition and the People’s Choice award, earning a total of $7,000 in prize money for the Fire Family Foundation and an entry to compete in the International Chili Society World Championships, Oct. 20-22 in Reno, Nev. Second Place went to New Orleans Firemen’s FCU, which will donate its $3,500 prize to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. Kinecta FCU, Manhattan Beach, Calif., took third place and will donate its $1,500 prize to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
FRNCA donation
Suffolk FCU, Medford, N.Y., donated $1,000 to the Flanders, Riverside & Northampton Community Association, which provides social services. Separately, Suffolk Federal continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary with highlighted events throughout 2017, including a Gold Celebration Party at its headquarters.
Vermont FCU shreds
Vermont FCU, Burlington, Vt., held four shred day events over two months at its Milton, St. Albans, Middlebury and South Burlington branches. The CU partnered with SecurShred to securely dispose of more than 12,000 lbs. of personal documents.
Peru FCU bike donation
Peru FCU, Peru, N.Y., donated bikes to Saranac Elementary School to be raffled off at the school’s annual Family Block Party. Separately, the CU donated $1,000 to the Peru K-5 Parent Teacher Organization for a new playground at Peru Primary School.
Ivan Pierre Aguirre/Ivan Pierre Aguirre
GECU's CUDE day of service
GECU, El Paso, Texas, participated in the Credit Union Development Educators Day of Service, assisting the grand opening of the food pantry at the Lower Dyer Community Center and donating filled bags of food for 100 local families.
10th anniversary branch celebration
NuMark CU, Joliet, Ill., celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Crest Hill branch by giving propane grills to five lucky members, while another member received 0% financing on a loan.
Passman, Aaron
Reading FANatics
People's CU, Middletown, R.I., sponsored the Newport Gulls FANatic About Reading Program for the 10th consecutive year. Players from the Newport Gulls spent two weeks visiting Aquidneck Island schools, reading to more than 3,000 students to encourage summer reading.
Middle schoolers tout value of financial education
Credit union officials, educators and family members assembled in Marlborough, Mass., to hear how eight middle-school students view the importance of financial education. The eight students were the winners of the annual Massachusetts CU Student Essay Contest.
Andrews FCU golf tourney
Andrews FCU, Suitland, Md., sponsored the Mt. Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce’s 19th Annual Golf Classic, which benefits the Chamber's business scholarships. Separately, the CU provided volunteers for the 10th Annual Spring for Alexandria Community Service Day, and it sponsored the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe High School Air Force JROTC when they traveled to Ramstein, Germany, to compete in the Department of Defense Education Activity Europe drill team championship.
Kids' book drive
Members and staff of Johns Hopkins FCU, Baltimore, collected children’s books for the Maryland Book Bank’s Books for Kids Event. The Maryland Book Bank’s goal of 30,000 books collected was met and surpassed.
Ops center gets personal touch
The staff at Deseret First CU put a personal touch on the CU’s new Operations Center nearing final construction in Salt Lake City by signing their names on the final steel beam put in place.
Passman, Aaron
Van donation
Oceanside, Calif.-based Pacific Marine CU gifted an injured Camp Pendleton Marine with a modified van to accommodate her wheelchair. The fully-equipped, handicap-accessible van was returned to the CU after the previous owner passed away. Employees came up with a plan to donate the vehicle to a local wounded warrior who would benefit most from its upgrades.
