Press

Patelco Credit Union surprises food banks and members with $61,000 for the holiday season

DUBLIN, CA (December 24, 2019)Patelco Credit Union team members surprised and delighted their members and community food banks throughout Northern California during the week of December 16th distributing $61,000. The bulk of the donations were gifted to food-related organizations struggling to meet the needs of their community during the holiday season.  Additionally, Patelco team members distributed nearly 400 gift cards to members facing challenges during this holiday season.

“Patelco team members graciously answered the call to give back to our members,” said Erin Mendez, president and CEO of Patelco. “They were empowered to identify 400 members they felt could use a special touch and a small act of kindness in the form of a gift card.  Giving back to our members directly put a spotlight on the thoughtfulness our team brings to work everyday to help our members achieve financial health and wellness, the core mission at Patelco.”

The week-long effort culminated on Friday December 20, when Patelco team members across the region surprised area food relief organizations with donations.  Proceeds went to the Redwood Empire Food Bank, the Merced County Food Bank, Open Heart Kitchen of Pleasanton, Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen of San Jose and Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

“It costs $2 per meal so a $2,500 donation would help provide 1,250 meals,” said Denise Bridges, Development Director, Open Heart Kitchen, discussing the $2,500 Patelco donated to the organization.

According to Mary Bigelow at the Redwood Empire Food Bank, “This generous $10,000 donation will allow us to distribute $40,000 in healthy groceries to our community — that’s enough food for 20,000 meals.” She went on to say, “An astonishing 1 in 6 Sonoma County residents face food insecurity every day, and we’re incredibly grateful to Patelco Credit Union for joining our fight against hunger.”

The Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services President/CEO, Blake Young, had similar feelings by saying, “We are incredibly grateful to Patelco Credit Union for their generous donation of $10,000 to Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS). Their gift will enable us to provide 50,000 meals for families struggling with food insecurity in our community. We appreciate their support and look forward to our continued partnership to deliver healthy and nutritious food to our region.”

Patelco team members presenting a check to Shawnda Bost, Volunteer Coordinator, Open Heart Kitchen of Pleasanton, California, at the new Patelco Credit Union HQ in Dublin, California, on Monday.


About Patelco Credit Union

Dublin, Calif.-based Patelco Credit Union is a not-for-profit credit union committed to serving the financial health and well-being of its membership. With nearly 500,000 members, primarily in and around northern California, Patelco is committed to improving its members’ financial health and well-being by offering personalized solutions, advice, and expertise that empower members to live their best financial lives. Founded in 1936 with $500 in assets by employees of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company, Patelco is in the top one percent of U.S. credit unions with more than $9 billion in assets. For more information, visit  https://www.patelco.org/.

Contacts

press@patelco.org

More News