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Illinois credit unions, ICU System raise nearly $3,000, 300 wreaths for Veterans graves

NAPERVILLE, IL (December 19, 2014) — As a result of many Illinois credit unions that supported the Illinois Credit Union League’s inaugural effort with “Wreaths Across America” (WAA), nearly $3,000 was raised to provide wreaths for veterans graves in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

The emotionally-moving event was held on December 13, 2014 simultaneously at national veterans’ cemeteries across the country. Thanks to the generosity from Illinois credit unions, their staff and members, as well as Illinois Credit Union System staff, more than $1,900 was donated for the purchase of 193 wreaths for placement at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois, where a contingent from the Illinois credit union movement volunteered.   In addition, the ICUL Service Corporation (LSC) provided an additional donation of more than $1,000 for wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. for a total contribution of $2,952 and 295 wreaths to WAA.

Wreaths — across — America (WAA) is a non-profit organization whose mission, “Remember, Honor, Teach”, is to one day have a wreath for every veteran’s grave in Arlington National Cemetery and all other national cemeteries in all 50 states and beyond.

In the spirit of its staff members’ desire to make a difference in the community, ICUL recently formed a Community Outreach Committee and invited all Illinois credit unions, along with their members, family and friends to participate in this year’s National “Wreaths” event as its first coordinated activity. Overall at the Abraham Lincoln event, a total of 6,100 wreaths were donated out of a possible 31,000 gravesites. The League already has plans to participate in next year’s event and help to provide wreaths for many more veterans.

Photos from the event are available via ICUL’s Facebook page

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) is the primary trade association for credit unions in Illinois and provides its members with compliance and other pertinent operating information, legislative advocacy and educational development opportunities. Membership is open to any credit union operating in accordance with the Illinois Credit Union Act or the Federal Credit Union Act. There are 315 credit unions in Illinois serving almost 3 million members.


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