Press
United Federal Credit Union donates 500 backpacks to backpack fiesta
HOLLAND, MI (August 13, 2014) — United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) has donated 500 backpacks in support of the Migrant Resource Council (MRC) of Ottawa, Allegan and Barry County and the Boys and Girls Club of Holland’s Backpack Fiesta. The event, to be held on August 15, is designed to provide Migrant children in Ottawa County with backpacks filled with the supplies needed to prepare for a successful school year.
“We are extremely grateful to United Federal Credit Union for donating the $2,500 needed to purchase the backpacks,” said Deanna DeSantiago, Co-Chairperson of the Allegan/Ottawa/Barry MRC. “The unique Migrant population in Michigan is an absolute necessity to continue the economic growth of the state – especially in west Michigan. We are able to take some of the financial burden off of these families by providing some of the basic needs of their children’s education.”
United Federal Credit Union has a long history of supporting charitable opportunities in each community it serves. Employees are encouraged to identify a need in their community and submit a request for donation dollars to UFCU’s Charity Committee – comprised of employee representatives from each region. The money for approved requests is funded by payroll deductions through UFCU’s Casual for a Cause program, which allows employees to wear jeans on dedicated days. When UFCU Holland Branch Manager Sarah Unema learned the MRC hadn’t received a firm donation of backpacks for the event, she made a request through the UFCU Charity Committee to get them purchased.
“Backpack Fiesta is a perfect example of how our employees rally together for a great cause,” said Sarah Unema, UFCU’s Holland Branch Manager. “Several staff members will be volunteering at this event because they are passionate about service and dedicated to strengthening the educational values of all children in our community. We want to make sure that Migrant families have a resource and a support system in place to assist with their unmet needs.”
Backpack Fiesta will take place Friday, August 15 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club – Holland North Side (583 Riley Street, Holland, Michigan). There will be a soccer tournament, snacks, face painting and police car and fire truck tours.
About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.