ATHENS, Ala. —Redstone Federal Credit Union surprised utility customers here by paying their bills as a way of celebrating its 75th anniversary, while also offering interest-free loans to TSA workers who are currently going unpaid.
As a part of the milestone, the credit union paid utility bills for Athens Utility customers from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., WHNT reported.
Officials told the news outlet the “Act of Brightness” initiative is designed to give back to the community and show appreciation for members who have supported the credit union over the years.
“Our Brightness stopped by Athens Utilities to surprise customers coming in to pay their bills,” the credit union said in a statement. “We covered bills, helped people get their utilities turned back on, and even put credits on some accounts.”
WHNT reported that one utility customer could be seen giving Redstone officials a box a doughnuts as a thank you.
Redstone Federal Credit Union officials say that it will be visiting additional communities throughout the area to continue celebrating the anniversary.
A video of the CU surprising customers can be viewed here.
Help for TSA Workers
Separately, Redstone FCU is offering financial assistance to local TSA agents during the partial government shutdown, providing zero-interest loans up to $15,000 to help them cover essential expenses.
Ericka Gorman, senior vice president of lending at Redstone FCU, told WTVM, “That helps them make that mortgage payment, or pay their rent, buy groceries, until the government shutdown is … hopefully comes to an end soon.”
Keesler Sent Reps to Airports
As the CU Daily was the first to report here, Keesler Federal Credit Union has sent representatives directly to a number of airports to offer its Paycheck Relief directly to federal TSA employees who have now gone without paychecks for more than a month.
The $5.1-billion Keesler said in a statement it sent officials directly to airports across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to offer the Paycheck Relief program directly to the workers.
