The season of giving back: 5 credit union examples to celebrate

It’s a busy time of year. Budget numbers to finalize. Shopping lists to check off. Holiday parties to attend. That’s why it’s so important to take time to slow down and make time for what’s truly important in life. Our family, friends and communities.

At NAFCU, we’re surrounded by hopeful stories of credit unions putting their communities first. And during this season of giving back, I thought it was important to recognize these acts of generosity.

Here are just a few examples of the stories we get to hear from our members:

1. California Coast Credit Union of San Diego, Calif., recently partnered with the San Diego Sockers professional soccer team to collect new socks for local homeless youth in the area. Fans could purchase socks at a game to participate in a third-quarter “Sock Toss” – getting the chance to win prizes and raising money for a good cause. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness about a local need and build a partnership with a great San Diego institution.
2. First Financial Federal Credit Union of Freehold, N.J., recently met community members at three surprise locations to give them $25 in free gas as well as free travel coffee mugs. All told, 150 drivers were surprised with $3,750 in free gas. What a perfect way to brighten people’s day and remind them that their credit union cares about them!
3. TEG Federal Credit Union of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., encouraged community members to donate non-perishable food items for the food pantry run by Castle Point Veterans Hospital. TEG joined other organizations in raising more than $9,500 worth of food donations. This kind of outreach strengthens relationships in multiple directions – with those called upon to give and those who will benefit.
4. NuVision Federal Credit Union of Huntington Beach, Calif., partnered with the Newland Center Albertsons store to provide local families with Thanksgiving meals – a great example of a credit union and local business joining forces to give back to the community.
5. GTE Financial of Tampa, Fla., decided to adopt more than 20 families in the region in order to provide assistance during the holidays. The outreach helped a variety of people, including single parents with sick children, widowed parents and victims of domestic violence. Different branches worked together on this generous endeavor, and I know the community took notice.

I hope these stories are as inspirational to you as they have been to me. There are countless examples of credit unions choosing to make time to give back to their communities. We can be proud of our industry and how it stands out from other financial services providers – credit unions really do put members and community first.

We at NAFCU will continue to put our members first as well – and we’re always excited to hear about the new, innovative things our members are trying. Be sure to let us know how you’re making a difference in your community. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday season, and keep inspiring us and others by exemplifying the credit union difference – a devotion to community.