Press
Patelco thanks military family, builds playhouse for marine’s son
PLEASANTON, CA (July 31, 2014) — Patelco Credit Union recently thanked a local marine for his service by donating a custom-built playhouse for his family to enjoy. Marine Corporal Preston Barker, a member of the 6th ANGLICO, and his son Ezekiel received the playhouse, built by more than 20 Patelco employees in partnership with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley Playhouse Program.
“The way his face lit up when he saw the house, just to find out it was his – that moment is priceless,” said Preston Barker in response to receiving the playhouse.
Barker, who is currently unemployed other than his commitment to the Marine Corps Reserves, added that he was not sure he would be able to provide a birthday gift to his son. He expressed gratitude to Patelco and Habitat for Humanity as well as the Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, the organization that selected the Barkers to receive the playhouse.
“It means so much to us as an organization to be able to serve as a conduit to our deserving service members like Corporal Barker,” said Carol Prell, Contra Costa Blue Star Moms President. “It is a gratifying and amazing experience.”
“We hope presenting this structure to Corporal Barker and his son acknowledges our gratitude for his service and their sacrifice,” said Sharon Tallon, Patelco’s community outreach officer.
The playhouse’s journey to its final home was filled with pomp and circumstance. Prior to reaching the Barkers, the playhouse was prominently featured on Patelco’s float in the Danville 4th of July Parade, where it displayed the parade theme of “Celebrating Our American Freedoms.”
This is the fourth playhouse built by Patelco employees through Habitat EB/SV’s playhouse program. Two previous playhouses have also gone to local military families selected by regional Blue Star Mothers of America chapters, while the third went to the Ecumenical Hunger Program.
About Contra Costa Blue Star Moms
Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, a chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is a non-partisan, non-political organization that provides support for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and its veterans. Nationally, Blue Star Mothers does not support any political candidate nor endorse any religious organization. The military represents all aspects of America as does the organization.
About Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley
As an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat EB/SV revitalizes neighborhoods, builds affordable and sustainable housing solutions, and empowers families through successful homeownership. Since 1986, Habitat EB/SV has partnered with volunteers, the community, and qualified families with limited incomes to strengthen communities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara Counties. For more information, visit www.HabitatEBSV.org or call 866-450-4432.
About Patelco Credit Union
Founded in 1936, Patelco Credit Union ranks among the largest credit unions in California and the nation with more than $4 billion in assets and more than 279,000 members. Throughout its 78-year history, Patelco has helped its members and their communities prosper through volunteer initiatives and personalized service that focuses on transparency, simplicity in banking, and garnering trust. Patelco is a federally insured, not-for-profit, full-service credit union that offers the same types of products and services as large banks. For more information, visit Patelco Credit Union at www.patelco.org.