TAMPA, Fla. – Giving back to the community is at the heart of Suncoast Credit Union‘s mission, and that commitment was on full display during the organization’s annual Pay It Forward Day.
More than 300 Suncoast employees and family members volunteered their time and talents at nonprofit organizations throughout Florida, supporting causes that strengthen local communities.
From Lehigh Acres to Melbourne, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to sort food, beautify facilities, assist nonprofit partners and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.
During a volunteer event at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Melbourne, Suncoast announced a commitment to donate $100,000 annually for the next 10 years. The funds will support people and families in Brevard and Volusia counties.
This major commitment continues a charitable giving partnership originally established by Launch Credit Union, which recently merged with Suncoast Credit Union. Through the merger, Suncoast will continue that legacy of support for organizations across Florida’s Space Coast, ensuring continued investment in programs that address important community needs and improve quality of life for residents.
Volunteer Events by the Numbers
Feeding Tampa Bay | Tampa
50,918 pounds of food sorted and packed
Harry Chapin Food Bank | Fort Myers
10,599 pounds of food sorted and packed
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida | Melbourne
2,107 pounds of food sorted and packed
“Credit unions are owned by people and are focused on people, and volunteerism is an important part of that philosophy,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Our team of nearly 3,000 employees is proud to serve communities across Florida and give back as a way of saying thank you to our members and the communities where they live and work.”
At the Harry Chapin Food Bank event, the organization unveiled the first in a series of newly co-branded trucks featuring both its refreshed brand identity and Suncoast Credit Union’s support, creating a highly visible symbol of the partnership that will travel throughout Southwest Florida. The truck reveal highlights the importance of pairing immediate hunger relief with long-term investment in infrastructure. Suncoast’s $500,000 contribution to the Harry Chapin Food Bank capital campaign will support development of the organization’s new state-of-the-art facility, expanding its capacity to store, distribute and deliver food more efficiently across its five-county service area. Together, the enhanced fleet and new facility will help the food bank serve more neighbors in need while strengthening its ability to meet future demand.
“Suncoast Credit Union continues to show what is possible when strong community partnerships bring together volunteerism, philanthropy and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Jennifer Denike, chief development officer of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Suncoast’s Pay It Forward Day volunteers not only helped us put more than 10,000 pounds of nourishing food into our distribution system, but they also experienced firsthand the work that happens every day to address hunger across Southwest Florida. Suncoast’s investment will help us build the infrastructure we need to serve more neighbors today and prepare for the needs of tomorrow. We’re grateful for their partnership and the lasting impact they’re making in our community.”
Pay It Forward Day is part of Suncoast’s annual Pay It Forward Month, a monthlong commitment to volunteerism rooted in the credit union’s longstanding “People Helping People” philosophy. Volunteers serve throughout Suncoast’s service areas, lending a hand to organizations that make a difference in their communities.
