Press
Playing Tag and Making a Difference
Georgetown, SC – Working cooperatively to make the difference in the lives of those around us. South Carolina Credit Unions operate by the philosophical practice of ‘people helping people’ and recently, it was through that cooperative spirit, that we were able to reach outside of our offices and impact the communities in which we serve through our statewide community mini-grants campaign. As part of an ongoing MADTAG campaign, the credit unions of South Carolina recently awarded 20 $100 mini-grants to South Carolinians to reach out and extend their helping hand to those around them. The mini-grant recipients were selected based on their submission on the MADTAG Facebook page on how they would most effectively use the $100 to make a difference in their area. Recipients were then directed to their local credit union to receive their grant and will follow up as to how their grant money was used and the difference it made.
“We were so pleased to have so many in our area participate and receive the mini-grants,” states Nikki Ewing, GKCU Marketing Director. “It truly is inspiring to see so many wanting to reach out and connect on a personal level to others in the community. Whether a teacher enhancing the learning experience for her students, a resident helping a family in need or a local non-profit enriching their resources, all of the grant recipients understand the impact they can have and we are proud to be the credit union partner to help them with that.”
Overall, 10 mini-grants (of $100 each) were given in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties (see list below) with GKCU giving an additional $225 in mini-grants to individuals who posted on their facebook page as well. All total $1225 was given with the anticipation that these individuals “tagged” with this mini-grant will now “pay it forward” and inspire others to make a difference too.
Anne Holmes, elementary school teacher, recipient of both SC Credit Union and GKCU mini-grant. Grant for: School-wide anti-bullying resources & materials to teach students the importance of treating others with respect.
Ginny DuBose, elementary school teacher, recipient of both SC Credit Union and GKCU mini-grant. Grant for: Classroom Work environment where students have “jobs” within company and receive pay “coins” for good job. Each student would also have an “account” to teach students how to save and spend their money.
Irene Mobley, local resident, recipient of both SC Credit Union and $25 GKCU mini-grant. Grant for: Making backpacks and school supplies wish lists into a reality for families being assisted through the Family Justice Center.
Jessica Pressley, pre-K special education school teacher, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: furniture and resources for creative learning centers to help student adapt to classroom-style format.
Miss Ruby’s Kids, a non-profit early childhood literacy program serving Georgetown County, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: books, toys and resources to be given during home visits to encourage interactive learning skills between parents and children.
Paulette Nettles, elementary school teacher, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: On-level reading materials to encourage and motivate students to read more and challenge themselves with harder reading materials.
Teresa Unrue, local resident with New Start Foundation, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: fulfilling needs of local families for unique back to school supplies and backpacks.
Deborah Peel, high school special needs teacher, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: equipment and supplies for a school greenhouse operated by special needs classes.
Caitlynn Langford, middle school teacher, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: Formation and installation of a BETA Club at school. The BETA Club will help promote academic achievement, character and service among the students in the school.
Keshiea Scott, first year elementary school teacher, recipient of SC Credit Union mini-grant. Grant for: Providing necessary basic classroom supplies such as pencils, sharpeners, markers, erasers and paper for her students that do not have ability to buy for themselves.
Credit Unions of South Carolina participate in a cooperative marketing campaign to educate consumers on the credit union difference. The focus of the this year’s campaign, MADTAG, focuses and highlights the “people helping people” philosophy, by “tagging” those in areas around the state with acts of kindness and then asking them to share or “pass it forward” to others in the community to truly make a difference. The mini-grants are a follow up to the Great Gas Giveaway earlier in 2012 when hundreds of South Carolinians received free gas at select gas stations. GKCU is a local, member-owned, full-service financial institution serving Georgetown and Williamsburg counties. For more information about MADTAG visit them on Facebook or at www.asmarterchoice.org. For more information about GKCU, visit www.gkcu.org.