PremierOne Credit Union staff spread some cheer by participating in several local events this past holiday season—ranging from collecting coats and toys to taking part in an annual Shop with a Cop shopping spree, to assisting at an event for local children who have developed cancer.
It all began with PremierOne CU employees helping at the annual Fill the Boot fundraiser to support the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, Valley Medical Center Burn Unit, and the Burn Survivor Community on Nov. 30, which netted more than $13,800 for the organizations.
Credit union staff then participated in the annual "Shop with a Cop—Heroes and Helpers Holiday Shopping Spree" for underserved youth. The event—held Dec. 4—began with a breakfast followed by a convoy to the Target store on Coleman Avenue in San Jose. This year marked the 12th annual event for Shop with a Cop Silicon Valley, which spends every year fundraising and motivating students in under-served communities in the South Bay. More than 200 elementary school students—rewarded for improving their reading skills over the past fall—received a $150 Target gift card to buy gifts for themselves or family. Different law enforcement officers accompanied them during their shopping spree. Funding for this event was provided by a grant from Target Corporation, the San Jose Police Foundation, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Dave Cortese, Susan Ellenberg, Coastal Lumber, Sereno Group 1% for Good Charitable Foundation, Latino Giving Circle, Brandenburg Family Foundation, local businesses, fundraisers, and private donations.
The credit union also collected more than 200 coats as well as other warm clothing items and more than 100 toys to support two local organizations: LifeMoves of San Jose and Los Bomberos of Northern California. LifeMoves is a non-profit committed to ending the cycle of homelessness in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. It provides interim housing and supportive services for homeless families and individuals. Los Bomberos is a non-profit organization that works closely with the San José Fire Department and Fire Fighters and the City of San José to collaborate on the annual toy drive, which assists hundreds of families during the holiday season. From Nov. 1 through Dec. 20, PremierOne collected lightly used coats, toys, and other warm clothing items. Donation bins were placed at all five of the credit union's branches. Both staff and members donated to the Warm Coat & Toy Drive.
"We're proud to support these two wonderful organizations," said PremierOne Credit Union Vice President of Marketing Janice Johnson. “Giving back to the community gives us a greater sense of purpose as we look forward to each time we effect positive change on people, we have been able to help.”
In addition to collecting items for Los Bomberos, PremierOne Credit Union employees volunteered on Dec. 6 to help gift wrap thousands of toys. The wrapped toys and gifts went to children of families in need living in our local community.
"I'm so proud of our wonderful employees who donate their time for these great organizations," said PremierOne Credit Union CEO Andrea Brewer, "It's heartwarming to know we have staff who are so generous during the holiday season."
Staff also assisted with the 16th Annual Fantasy Flight for Bay Area children stricken with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses hosted by the Cops Care Cancer Foundation. Police agencies and volunteers from all over the Bay Area assist and contribute to the event. This year, more than 50 families were invited to the event. There were approximately 200 children, plus more than 300 family members in attendance, and more than 200 police/fire and volunteers helped. During the Dec. 14 event, children and their families rode in police cars and fire trucks in a presidential-style motorcade from Juniper Networks in Sunnyvale to the SJPD Air Hangar at the San Jose International Airport, which was transformed into the North Pole. SWAT vehicles were used to transport children in wheelchairs. Families enjoyed a fun carnival setting and a barbeque lunch provided by the Sunnyvale Moose Lodge, along with popcorn, cotton candy, and baked goods for everyone. The highlight of the event was Santa arriving by a police helicopter, and all the children and their family members receiving gifts.
"We're proud to contribute to such a wonderful cause," Brewer said. "We enjoy coming together and working to make the community a better place.”
PremierOne CU Marketing Officers Chris Reyes and Mark Mendez were among those participating in the credit union’s Warm Coat & Toy Drive. The credit union collected more than 200 coats as well as other warm clothing items as well as more than 100 toys to support LifeMoves of San Jose and Los Bomberos of Northern California.
PremierOne CU Community Development Officer Lucy Hales and VP of Member Service Richard Tresler with Santa Claus at the Shop with a Cop event. More than 200 elementary school students—rewarded for improving their reading skills over the past fall—received a $150 Target gift card to buy gifts for themselves or family at the event.
PremierOne CU Member Service Administrator Laura Stiavetti was among the many credit union employees helping at the annual Fill the Boot fundraiser to support the San Jose Firefighters Burn Foundation, Valley Medical Center Burn Unit, and the Burn Survivor Community. The fundraiser netted more than $13,800 for the organizations.