EAU CLAIRE, Wis. –It’s the summer of charity support for credit unions across the country, which are doing everything from helping with back-to-school drives, gathering towels for the homeless to offering free haircuts.
Here is just some of what credit unions are doing:
Food Drive at WESTconsin
In Wisconsin, WESTconsin Credit Union is hosting a “School’s Out Summer Food Drive” from July 7-19. All WESTconsin offices will collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations that will go toward filling the shelves of 14 different community partners across the credit union’s service area.
“So last year we donated $2,780.20, and then 396 non-perishable food items just in last year’s donations,” Brittney Dehnke, WESTconsin Member Service Rep II, said in a statement.
CoastHills Collecting Towels
In California, CoastHills Credit Union said it has partnered with El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) on a community towel drive to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The drive runs throughout July.
ECHO is collecting new bath towels to benefit participants in its 90-day residential shelter program and free public shower program. According to the organization, more than 130 individuals and families access these services daily.
Donations can be dropped off at the Atascadero CoastHills Credit Union branch, where a towel collection bin is available for the duration of the month.
“At CoastHills, our vision is to make a difference in our neighbors’ lives,” Interim CEO James Ledford said in a statement. “Partnering with ECHO Atascadero to support their shower program is one way we can bring comfort and care to those in need. A clean towel might seem small—but it can have a big impact.”
Back to School Drive in St. Louis
In St. Louis, Together Credit Union is partnering with The Little Bit Foundation to host a Back to School Donation Drive throughout July at its 14 branch locations in the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area.
Founded in 2001, The Little Bit Foundation works to remove barriers to learning for under-resourced students through partnerships and programs that serve the needs of young learners.
It provides access to essential services and educational experiences while serving 17,000 students in 54 schools in the region.
Currently, over 90% of the students the foundation serves are living at or below the federal poverty line.
Navy FCU in Back-to-School Drive
The world’s largest credit union, Navy Federal Credit Union, said it is again conducting its annual Back-to-School, which runs through August 6.
Among its initiatives:
- Members are encouraged to use their Navy Federal debit and credit products to donate to the Virtual Book Drive.
- Team members who report to Navy Federal campuses across California, Florida and Virginia are donating school supplies to local United Way chapters. Donations include pencils, markers, binders and more to safeguard local students who need extra support to prepare for the next school year. Last year, collections exceeded $20,000 worth of school supply items from campus employees.
- Sixteen stateside branches are donating durable, reliable backpacks to military children in partnership with Operation Homefront. The donations serve as a crucial resource for military families facing financial hardship and help military children succeed in school.
TBA CU Hosts School Drive
In Traverse City Michigan, TBA Credit Union is hosting its annual School Supply Drive through Sept. 2.
“Committed to supporting education and making a positive impact on the lives of students and families, this year’s drive will benefit the Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Student Support Network (SSN), a vital resource for students in need within our community,” the credit union said.
Free Haircuts in Arizona
In Arizona, Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) said it is joining with Headliners Barber Shop to provide 30 free haircuts for students in need on July 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tucson Mall.
In addition, donation boxes are available at all TFCU branches, collecting new school supplies and financial contributions through the end of July.
“Our commitment to education dates to our founding in the basement of Tucson High School in 1937,” TFU President and CEO Matthew Gaspari said in a statement. “We’re partnering with local non-profits to help students start the year off right with fresh haircuts and school supplies. Every donation makes a profound difference in a child’s life and TFCU is honored to support this effort.”
Tucson Federal said the event is part of its Back-to-School Week, with additional family-friendly events planned from July 28 through August 1 across Tucson.
