Read all about it: Credit unions in the community
April 16, 2018 10:00 AM
'Book Buddies'
Members and employees of Philadelphia-based American Heritage CU donated 7,350 new books to local hospitals, community centers and special care facilities. In its eighth year, the CU’s “Books for Kids” program allowed members to become “Book Buddies” for a donation of $3. A plaque with the member’s name was placed inside each donated book.
Saving members nearly $5 million
Northwest FCU, Herndon, Va., was recognized by CU Realty Services LLC as the top credit union for saving members money through the HomeAdvantage program. In 13 years as a participant, Northwest Federal has saved its members more than $4.9 million, one of only two CUs to have given back more than $4 million.
Turn the radio(-thon) up!
Vizo Financial Corporate CU and its Central Pennsylvania member/owner credit unions raised more than $240,000 in less than two days through their "Pay 4 Play" radio-thon. Now in its 11th year, Pay 4 Play is a continuous, 28-hour radio-thon where listeners can request a song of their choice in exchange for a donation to CMN Hospitals at Penn State Children’s Hospital.
Honoring state employees
Raleigh, N.C.-based State Employees’ CU and its SECU Foundation sponsored a special ceremony hosted by the Office of State Human Resources in which 12 individuals were honored for their outstanding accomplishments and dedicated service to the state and citizens of North Carolina. The distinguished recipients were presented with the highest privilege that can be bestowed upon a state employee – the Governor’s Awards for Excellence.
Non-profit donatoins
Coastal CU, Raleigh, N.C., awarded $50,000 in total to five area non-profits and the individuals who nominated each in the CU’s 50 Forward contest. The non-profits received $5,000 each while, in a surprise twist, their respective nominators also received $5,000. The winning charities were: The Public Gallery of Carrboro, Beginnings for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, First NC Robotics, CHHS Philharmonic Foundation, and the Raleigh Rescue Mission.
American 1 expands
Jackson, Mich.-based American 1 CU expanded into Lenawee County by opening its newest branch in Adrian, Mich. The branch is located inside the Country Market Grocery Store on West Maumee Street. The CU now has branches in Jackson, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Calhoun, Macomb, Wayne and Lenawee Counties.
More Millionaire's Club
Educational Systems FCU, Greenbelt, Md., launched its 14th Millionaire's Club financial education program. Students at Arundel High School, Gambrills, Md., now have access to a personal finance program designed to prepare them for financial independence.
USDA recognition (again!)
For the second year in a row, Greater Nevada CU, Carson City, Nev., was named the National Lender of the Year by the United States Department of Agriculture. In 2017 GNCU obligated more than $472 million in loans, all guaranteed by the agency’s programs, representing a nearly 400% increase over loan obligations from 2016. In Nevada alone, GNCU obligated $320,830,000 in guaranteed loans.
Cancer research donation
New Horizons CU, Mobile, Ala., raised $1,344 via multiple fund raising efforts to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Yuisa Rios/Yuisa Rios
Rebuilding after the hurricane
New York City-based Municipal CU pledged $50,000 to support and help rebuild the nine credit unions/cooperativas based in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands that were devastated by Hurricane Maria. In addition, MCU issued a call to action for other New York-area credit unions to donate to support these hard-hit credit unions.
