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Advance Financial FCU and its Board of Directors shift into high gear to assist local charities

EAST CHICAGO, IN (November 27, 2020) — While most people would like to forget 2020, it’s not so easy if you are food insecure or a child wondering if they will get Christmas gifts this year. While Advance Financial Federal Credit Union (AFFCU) is committed to the philosophy of “People Helping People” on a year-round basis, this belief was heightened this year due to the medical and financial impact of COVID-19.

Duringan average year in Northwest Indiana, nearly 100,000 individuals are food insecure, meaning they don’t have sufficient food for themselves and their families. But this year is NOT an average year! In addition, many children in this area don’t receive the kind of gifts that most children are accustom to receiving…or even worse, they don’t receive any gifts.

AFFCU and its Board of Directors is supporting the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The support at this time of the year is in addition to the annual fundraisers conducted by the credit union for these two charitable organizations.

“We believe strongly in the missions of these two organizations and decided to up the ante this year,” stated Janice A. Vamos, Chairperson of AFFCU. “When the suggestion was made for the Board to add financial support to these two organizations, we all rallied behind the motion,” commented Vice Chairman, Marilyn Peto.

In addition to donating food items, AFFCU raised nearly $900 in total this year for the Food Bank of NWI which translates into nearly 3,000 meals. The credit union also helped to grant the wishes of 40 Angels in need of a Christmas gift in the Angel Tree program.

About Advance Financial Federal Credit Union (AFFCU)

Established in 1937 by eight steelworkers, Advance Financial was started and guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Today, Advance Financial is committed to providing quality products and exceptional service to our members. Serving communities for over 85 years, Advance Financial proudly offers a variety of community services, including financial literacy education. With over 5,600 credit union shared branches to conduct transactions, 33,000 free nationwide ATMs with Advantage Plus Checking, Mobile Banking, and Bill Pay, Advance Financial is wherever you are, whenever you need us.

About the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana has been leading the Region’s fight against hunger since 1982 and distributes more than 4.5 million meals each year to hungry kids, adults and seniors across Lake and Porter counties. Each month the Food Bank serves more than 23,000 individuals through its 100+ partner agencies and programs like Mobile Marketplace, Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors and the BackPack program.

The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization and a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization and a powerful network of 200 food banks across the country.For more information check out their website;https://foodbanknwi.org/

About the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program is an opportunity to spread joy and cheer to the less fortunate during the holidays. Whether you are an individual, family, organization, church, business or club, you can help make a difference by accepting any number of Angel Tree “tags” from The Salvation Army.

Angel Trees represent the wishes and desires of a child or youth. Through the Angel Tree program, families and children have their specific needs and wants met for a warm and joyous holiday experience. For more information about the Salvation Army or their Angel Tree program visit their websites:

Salvation Army East Chicagohttps://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/eastchicago

Angel Tree page: https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/eastchicago/brighten-the-holidays/