Press

Affinity Group Credit Union & Mortgage Center Help Operation: Kid Equip Reach More Schools, Teachers, & Kids.

Matt Jenkins, VP Marketing & Public Relations
mjenkins@myagcu.org 248-334-0568

Pontiac, MI, January 13, 2012 – Sharing the passion that every child deserves to have their basic school day needs met; Affinity Group Credit Union, Affinity Foundation for MI Kids and Mortgage Center are proud to partner with and support Operation: Kid Equip (OKE).

At the credit union’s Pontiac, MI Headquarters, the Credit Union, Mortgage Center, and OKE unveil a new OKE van that was funded by Affinity Group CU and Mortgage Center.

The van will help OKE quickly reach more schools, teachers, and kids throughout much of the lower peninsula of Michigan. “The van sponsorship has enabled OKE to deliver much-needed school day supplies to local schools and kids faster than ever”, said Menachem Kniespeck, President & CEO of Operation: Kid Equip. “The sponsorship has also saved OKE ten-fold in local transportation costs to collect and deliver the supplies. OKE and the kids we serve are very grateful for this support.”

Speaking about their involvement in this sponsorship, Kristine Kline, Vice President of Marketing for Mortgage Center said, “The minute we heard about Operation Kid Equip, we knew we wanted to be a part of it.”

Affinity Group Credit Union and Affinity Foundation for Michigan Kids have made a long-term commitment to OKE. Referring to this commitment, Carma Peters, Chief Operating Officer for Affinity Group Credit Union said, “When introduced to Operation: Kid Equip the partnership was exactly what we were looking for. OKE is an outstanding organization benefiting children in the Metro Detroit area. The staff and volunteers are passionate about helping children have a brighter future. When you see the kids’ eyes light up, it completely melts your heart and Affinity Group Credit Union and the Affinity Foundation for Michigan Kids wanted to contribute to the excellent work and the difference it makes in those children’s lives.”

About Michigan Friends of Education – Operation Kid Equip

Operation: Kid Equip’s vision is a community where every child’s basic school day needs are met. Operation: Kid Equip provides free school supplies, books, hygiene, clothing and food items for more than 70,000 local students in need throughout Southeast Michigan. To learn more about OKE and how you can help, please visit: www.operationkidequip.org

About Affinity Foundation for Michigan Kids

The Affinity Foundation for Michigan Kids (AFMK), a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation was created in 2010 to provide educational and personal growth opportunities to Michigan kids and young adults up to age 25. AFMK rallies member and community support by collecting financial donations and school supplies at all five Southeast Michigan Affinity Group Credit Union branches. You can support our effort during your next trip to one of our branches by bringing in school supplies or making a charitable contribution.

About Mortgage Center

Mortgage Center, a Credit Union Service Organization located in Southfield, MI, owned in part by Affinity Group Credit Union, and has been serving credit unions since 1990. Today the company serves more than 78 Michigan Credit Unions priding itself on providing outstanding service, offering competitive products and retaining the mortgage throughout the life of the loan. For additional information about Mortgage Center visit: www.mortgagecenter.com.

About Affinity Group Credit Union

Affinity Group Credit Union is a member owned not-for-profit financial cooperative serving members of Crestwood Community, Kensington Valley Community, Municipal & Health Services and WySouth. With a vision of Changing Lives, One Member At A Time, AGCU serves anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or owns a business in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe and Livingston Counties.

In addition, Affinity Group Credit Union has ownership in a variety of CUSOs, bringing a vast range of services to all of our partners. These collaborative relationships include: