DEPTFORD, N.J. –First Harvest Credit Union celebrated its 85 years of service by delivering over 85 Acts of Kindness to its 49,000+ members and by reinvesting in the Southern New Jersey community it proudly serves.
First Harvest said its commitment to the people helping people credit union philosophy was on display throughout the year during dozens of employee-volunteer events, member giveback initiatives, SEG appreciation gestures, and meaningful commitments and contributions that focused on strengthening community partnerships.
The First Harvest team collectively supported 65+ organizations, donated over $85,000, and spent over 350 of their time delivering on the credit union’s social commitments and supporting causes important to them.
Completed Acts of Kindness include:
- Reinvesting in local colleges and university students through pledged endowments and scholarships funding, establishing the First Harvest Financial Innovation Lab at Rowan College of South Jersey, an endowed scholarship at Stockton University, and revitalizing the Student Life Center at Atlantic Cape County Community College.
- First Harvest celebrates the establishment of the new First Harvest Financial Innovation Lab at Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ).
- Connecting with high school students to teach budgeting skills through the Financial Reality Fair program, showcase career opportunities through the Future Bankers program, and support the paths of higher education for First Harvest student-members with their annual Scholarship Program.
- Appreciation efforts for local HealthCare workers, first responders, teachers and faculty, and other community partners within First Harvest’s South Jersey footprint.
- First Harvest team members deliver breakfast buffet to the teachers and faculty members at North Main Street School during the Back-to-School season.
- Cleaning local green spaces through the Adopt-A-Highway program and elevating community parks through the NJ Tree Foundation in Camden and Gloucester Counties
- First Harvest team members volunteer their time to plant over 80 trees in Camden and Collingswood, New Jersey communities.
- Expanding food access in the state of New Jersey through the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative, which brought together 15 credit unions, opening dozens of drop-off collection sites. In total, the program collected and donated over 5,100 pounds of essential food items supporting over 20 food pantries and organizations throughout the state of New Jersey.
- First Harvest shares its collection efforts in support of the New Jersey Credit Unions Food Cooperative
- The expansion of inclusive and accessible financial services through increased ATM access within the AtlantiCare healthcare facilities, Rowan College of South Jersey, and Atlantic Cape Community College, along with the relocation of the First Harvest Voorhees branch in Camden County, adding drive-thru capabilities to focus on greater convenience.
- First Harvest opens newly relocated Voorhees Branch to better serve its members and Camden County.
- Various member and community giveback initiatives throughout the year, including a free shredder event, local business gift card giveaways to support small businesses, and special promotional savings and loan rate offerings to help members reach their financial needs.
- First Harvest hosts a free Community Shredder Event to provide a safe and secure way to dispose of personal and financial documents
- Supporting impactful programs that help uplift local families through hands-on projects with Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity and Adopt-A-Family holiday gift donations.
- First Harvest’s Charitable Journey Program brightens the holidays for six Southern New Jersey families.
- Donation efforts hosted by the employee-led Charitable Journey team throughout the year that benefited breast cancer awareness efforts at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, BookSmiles, National Brain Tumor Society, and The Larc Norcross School
- First Harvest’s Charitable Journey Program collects $3,000 through the Annual Pink Ribbon Program during Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, which benefits the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
Other Givebacks
Other give-back initiatives include sponsoring the Eastern High School Robotics program and a scholarship pledge, endowments benefiting community partners in healthcare, senior care, and more.
“For 85 years, our members have remained our top priority, and our team is committed more than ever to delivering quality financial solutions, inclusive banking programs, and exemplary member service. As we celebrate our anniversary this month, we’re excited to deepen our commitment to our membership and the Southern New Jersey community through our various giveback and reinvestment projects,” stated First Harvest President & CEO Mike Dinneen.
