TUSTIN, Calif.–SchoolsFirst FCU said it has now donated more than $220,000 in support of its members and its educational FOM to provide aid to those affected by the fires in Southern California, including organizations that support school employees and their families directly. SchoolsFirst said the organizations include:

• California School Employees Association (CSEA) Assistance Fund
• California Teachers Association (CTA) Disaster Relief Fund
• Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation
• Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education
• American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
• CUAid (The National Credit Union Foundation)

Beyond these organizations, SchoolsFirst FCU contributed additional donations directly to local schools. 

‘Deeply Grateful’

“We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders and volunteers who have worked around the clock to combat the fires and protect our communities,” CEO Bill Cheney said in a statement. “We have many members and team members who have been directly affected by the fires, losing their homes, neighborhoods, and schools. We are committed to standing by their side, offering support and resources to help them recover. We want to reassure our Members and the communities we serve that we are here for them during this incredibly challenging time.”

Member Outreach

Since the fires began, the $30-billion SchoolsFirst reported it has continued to reach out to members in the evacuation areas, offering support and guidance through a combination of disaster relief assistance, including goodwill funds, emergency relief personal loans, skips or deferments on loan and credit card payments, waived fees, and other lending assistance. 

“Unfortunately, we have been with our members through these types of devastating situations too many times. Through these experiences, we have learned that the best way to be there for them is by working with each member one-on-one to offer support tailored to their unique needs,” added Cheney in the statement.

SchoolsFirst FCU said it has identified more than 20,000 of its credit union members who may have been affected by fires and evacuations in their communities.