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Community invited to donate hygiene supplies to Columbia Industries this Thursday

KENNEWICK, WA (October 17, 2023) — A local nonprofit that empowers individuals facing developmental challenges and disabilities is being uplifted this week in honor of International Credit Union Day. Volunteers from five local credit unions are inviting the Tri-Cities community to donate hygiene supplies to Kennewick’s Columbia Industries Empowerment Place.

In 2023, Columbia Industries has helped nearly 200 individuals through its Empowerment Program. The nonprofit connects clients in need of hygiene items, food, housing, job placements and more.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Thursday, Oct. 19 at 900 S. Dayton Street, credit union volunteers will be collecting donations and assembling hygiene and winter preparedness kits.

“These resources elevate our clients’ level of comfort so they can focus on the empowering and enriching opportunities that exist through our employment services and vocational training,” said Michael Novakovich, Columbia Industries president and CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of these credit unions, our clients will have many of their most basic human needs met as we head into the colder months.”

For three years, local credit unions have worked side by side on community projects for International Credit Union Day, united in a desire to show up and give back.

“Credit unions follow a philosophy of people helping people, that’s what we do!” said Doug Wadsworth, Tri-CU CEO and International Credit Union Day committee member. “We are excited to bring together credit union volunteers that share a passion for serving the community.”

This year’s participating credit unions include: Gesa Credit Union, HAPO Community Credit Union, Numerica Credit Union, STCU and Tri-CU.

About Credit Unions

Credit unions are member-owned, not-for-profit cooperatives. More than 120 million Americans enjoy the benefits of credit union membership, including more than 4.3 million who are members of Washington credit unions. International Credit Union Day has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. The day highlights the history and achievements of credit unions and the impact they have throughout the world.