WATERLOO, Iowa–Numerous credit unions have announced plans to help put food on people’s table for Thanksgiving.
In Iowa, Veridian Credit Union has pledged $70,000 to local initiatives providing free Thanksgiving meals in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota for the upcoming holiday season.
The donations will benefit events and organizations in Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines and Waterloo in Iowa; Omaha in Nebraska and the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota.
“When people have access to basic necessities like food, they’re better equipped to build a more stable future,” Veridian President and CEO Renee Christoffer said in a statement. “Especially during the holiday season, contributions like this can help families meet their immediate needs today while building a stronger foundation for long-term well-being.”
300 Hours of Volunteer Service
The support pairs $70,000 in financial contributions with 300 hours of paid volunteer service from the $9.5-billion Veridian CU’s employees. Recipient events and organizations include:
- Families Forward Thanksgiving Table and 4 All Kids Free Annual Thanksgiving Meal, in Des Moines
- The Salvation Army Thanksgiving Community Meal, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Mike & Leona Adams Thanksgiving Dinner in Waterloo, Iowa
- Heartland Hope Mision Thanksgiving Pantry, in Omaha
- The Life’s Center Thanksgiving Outreach, in Minneapolis
Collectively, the Veridian-supported events are expected to serve an estimated 12,000 meals to individuals facing food insecurity through events running November 9-26.
Redstone Partners With Food Relief Organization
In Alabama, Redstone Federal Credit Union and food-relief nonprofit One Generation Away will distribute 750 Thanksgiving meal boxes in Huntsville next weekend, giving local households a chance to put part of their holiday meal on the table ahead of Thanksgiving.
Redstone said the giveaway is part of its Acts of Brightness initiative, which is centered on helping people with everyday expenses and needs during the credit union’s 75th anniversary year. “The Thanksgiving distribution brings that effort to the holiday table, with volunteers and community partners helping get food to families ahead of the holiday,” the credit union said.
The giveaway begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Redstone’s headquarters, 220 Wynn Drive. Each box is designed to serve eight to 10 people, according to Redstone.
Open to Anyone in Need
The credit union’s website says the boxes will be available while supplies last, with a limit of one per vehicle. One Generation Away lists the Huntsville stop as a drive-thru mobile pantry event running from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., with food distribution expected to begin around 9 a.m. Volunteers are asked to arrive by 7:30 a.m., and no registration is required to volunteer.
CUTX Gives Away Hundreds of Turkeys, Hams
In the Lone Star State, Credit Union of Texas (CUTX) gave out hundreds of turkeys and hams ahead of the holiday season during an event at its branch in Kilgore, Texas
CUTX partnered with local food shelters and nonprofits to make the event possible.
“We know the holidays can be a financially stressful time for families, and a little extra support can make a big difference,” President and CEO Eric Pointer told KITV. “Our team and our nonprofit partners are looking forward to Saturday and to helping more of our neighbors enjoy a holiday meal with the people who matter most.”
