NAPERVILLE, Ill.-– The Illinois Credit Union System (ICUS) said it donated $13,000 to local food pantries and community organizations in December 2025 as part of its ongoing commitment to the credit union philosophy of people helping people.
The donations, led by ICUL and Envisant’s Commit to Change (CTC) Committee, support organizations working on the front lines of food insecurity and homelessness across Illinois.
“Rooted in the cooperative spirit that defines credit unions, ICUS’s contributions reflect a long-standing belief that serving communities extends beyond financial services,” the ICUS said. “By investing directly in organizations that provide food, dignity, and stability, ICUS continues its mission-driven work to strengthen the communities credit unions serve.”
“Credit unions were founded on the idea of lifting others up, especially in moments of need,” said Libby Calderone, president/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) and Envisant. “Supporting local food pantries and community organizations is not separate from our work — it’s central to it. This is servant leadership in action, and it reflects the values our system lives every day.”
The Commit to Change Committee, a volunteer-led group within ICUS, champions initiatives that advance inclusion, equity, and community impact. Each year, the committee identifies opportunities to support organizations whose work aligns with the credit union mission, according to the ICUS.
“The holidays are a time for gratitude and hope, the gift from the Illinois Credit Union System provided that and so much more for the 1,500 families we serve at the Aurora Food Pantry each week. With many in our community experiencing extreme financial stress right now, this support lets our neighbors know they are not alone,” Katie Arko, Executive Director, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Checks were presented to the following organizations as part of the 2026 initiative:
Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Central Illinois Food Bank
COOL Ministries Food Pantry
Glen-Ed Pantry
Glen House Food Pantry
Kendall County Community Food Pantry
Messengers of Hope
Milton Township Food Pantry, Inc.
Niles Township Food Pantry Foundation
Nourishing Hope
Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Village Baptist Food PantryTurpin Cares
