$100,000 MAX Credit Union COVID-19 relief effort benefits 16 local organizations
MONTGOMERY, AL (May 13, 2020) — Recent donations totaling more than $100,000 from a local financial institution are already benefiting area families who are food-insecure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen local organizations received funds from MAX Credit Union and its non-profit organization, the MAX4Kids Foundation, in April.
Community outreach is at the heart of MAX, and the credit union remains active in giving back in the counties it serves throughout the year. MAX team members actively volunteer with several of the donation recipients and have temporarily suspended corporate-sponsored volunteer activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, MAX team members served the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA) weekly delivering meals to homebound residents through the organization’s Meals on Wheels program. They also volunteered monthly to prepare meals for delivery through the Meal Makers program.
MACOA recently expressed a need for donations to support the Meals on Wheels program during the pandemic. The organization is delivering shelf stable meals to its clients during this time.
“MAX is honored to be able to donate $10,000 to this need,” says MAX’s Chief of Operational Excellence and MACOA volunteer, Cheryl Payson. “We want to be part of the solution and do our part to help those in need even when we are unable to have boots on the ground to volunteer our time.”
MAX’s donation to Valiant Cross Academy fully funded its food pantry, which supplies food to the school’s food-insecure students during the academic year. The school was committed to supporting its students and families, despite the early end to the school-year.
“One critical need that had to be met was the continuation of our food pantry. This pantry helps many of our families supplement their at-home food supplies during the school year. We are truly thankful for all the employees, volunteers, and members of MAX for putting our school under their angel wings,” says Kimberly Baker, Valiant Cross Director of Development and Marketing.
Another donation to the Autauga Interfaith Care Center could potentially result in over 16,000 pounds of food for its community food bank, which has seen an increase in new clients due to unprecedented unemployment rates.
“Many individuals and families in our area are facing extreme hardship, and we want to support the organizations who are actively working to provide relief,” says MAX CEO Martin Head. “We also want our partner organizations to know that we haven’t forgotten them and will continue supporting them during times of great need.”
A $15,000 donation to the River Region United Way to support the Community COVID-19 United Relief Fund was combined with other donations to fund grants for at least 16 agencies in need.
Other organizations receiving funds directly from the MAX COVID-19 donation include Montgomery Area Food Bank, East Alabama Food Bank, Elmore County Food Pantry, The W.E.L.C.O.M.E. Center – West Elmore Christian Outreach Ministry Extension, Pike County DHR Food Pantry, United Way of Lee County, and Salvation Army of Pike County.
Supporting local children’s charities is a key focus of the MAX4Kids Foundation, which was started by MAX team members in 2001. In addition to Valiant Cross Academy, recipients of MAX4Kids Foundation funding include Tie and Doll, Henry Tellis Foundation, Kid One Transport, S.T.E.P Foundation, Common Ground Montgomery, and the YMCA Brown Bag Bus.
“A large number of these organizations serve the most vulnerable individuals in our communities, our children, and the MAX4Kids Foundation is doing all we can to sustain their outreach efforts while children are away from schools and organized activities,” says Kenneth Hill, MAX4Kids Board President.
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About MAX Credit Union
MAX Credit Union is a leading, locally owed financial institution in Alabama, with more than $2.0 billion in assets. Serving our communities for over 67 years, MAX provides a full array of consumer and business financial products to include checking, savings, loans, wealth management, insurance, mortgages, online and mobile banking. MAX has 17 branch locations across its Alabama footprint, more than 30,000 surcharge free ATMs, and myMAX Service Center to assist with any financial needs by phone. With dedicated team members, MAX is committed to providing exceptional customer service and value. Please visit us at www.mymax.com
