The Summit Federal Credit Union presents $3,000 donation to Police Athletic League Of Syracuse
ROCHESTER, NY (January 17, 2022) — The Summit Federal Credit Union (The Summit) today presented a $3,000 donation to the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) at the Syracuse Police Department Headquarters. The presentation was arranged to follow and acknowledge National Law Enforcement Day on January 9th.
The Summit has deep roots in the Syracuse region. In 2010, the Syracuse Federal Credit Union (FCU) merged into The Summit. Syracuse FCU was comprised of many credit unions that had joined over the years, including the former Syracuse Police FCU, which was originally established in 1959.
Founded in July of 2021, the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) engages community youth in a constructive manner with Law Enforcement to keep kids safe and on a path to success, but their aspirations go well beyond that. Involvement in programs like sports and other activities provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride. Never has this been more important than now – as we emerge out of a pandemic. Through participation in fun and challenging activities, Syracuse area youth have opportunities to learn, grow, network, and build both personal and professional relationships that lead to greater odds of success in life. At PAL, they firmly believe that having youth establish relationships with community leaders, especially law enforcement, at an early age, can foster a safer, more trustworthy, respectful, and welcoming environment for the community at large. This, in turn, breeds a more enticing and successful community from which everyone can benefit.
Syracuse PAL partners with Syracuse Police Officers, New York State Troopers, DeWitt Police Officers, the District Attorney’s Office, Onondaga County Sheriffs, Onondaga County Probation Department, the Syracuse City School District, community volunteers, and interns to provide mentoring for Syracuse youth. January also happens to be National Mentoring Month, making this donation doubly meaningful.
“The Summit is committed to enriching the lives of the communities that we serve,” commented Twanda Christensen, The Summit’s Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement. “Each time that The Summit donates to a program such as PAL, we create a partnership, and we look forward to engaging with PAL as it continues to grow and impact the Syracuse community.”
“The importance of Syracuse PAL can’t be overstated,” said Chief of Police Kenton T. Buckner. “In times when we are seeing our victims and suspects of crime getting younger and younger, engaging our youth in a positive way is more important than ever. I’m grateful for the contributions made by The Summit Federal Credit Union and appreciate their commitment to the Syracuse community. This donation will help keep the program funded and allow us to continue the vital work of building relationships with our youth. “
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, Syracuse Police Department, and our partners, we are thrilled that The Summit Federal Credit Union is sowing a seed into our vision at Syracuse PAL of building positive relationships with law enforcement,” said Jimmy Oliver, Director of Community Engagement at the Syracuse Police Department. “This is truly a blessing to have The Summit FCU recognize and invest in our aligned goals.”
“Supporting the communities we serve is an integral part of who we are at the Summit FCU,” said Christin Vincent, The Summit’s Director of Syracuse Regional Branch Services. “Since 2018 we have been honoring our law enforcement community through a donation on their behalf to a cause that is near and dear to their hearts. In honor of Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and our local law enforcement agencies, we are excited this year to make a donation to Syracuse Police Athletic League whose program truly speaks to building positive relationships between law enforcement and creating enrichment and growth opportunities for the youth of our community.”
For more information on PAL, visit FB: Syracuse PAL, and Instagram: SYRPAL44
Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens; Chief of Police Kenton T. Buckner; Jimmy Oliver, Syracuse Police Dept Director of Community Engagement; The Summit’s VP of Marketing and Community Engagement Twanda Christensen; Erie Blvd. Branch Manager Heidi Stewart; Taft Rd Branch Manager Ashley Whitt, and members of the Syracuse Police Department.
About The Summit Federal Credit Union
Founded in 1941, The Summit Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned, full-service financial cooperative. With over $1.3 billion in assets, The Summit has over 230 employees and provides a full range of affordable financial products and services to over 91,000 active members in Central New York, the Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York. The Summit is dedicated to the rich diversity of the communities that they serve. You will regularly see their staff out and about in the community supporting other not-for-profit organizations that share their mission and values.
For more information, visit summitfcu.org.
