EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Sterling United Credit Union celebrated its 70th anniversary by surprising Tri-State residents with free groceries and gasoline during a “Christmas in July” community giveback event, according to reporting by WFIE.
Volunteers wearing elf hats visited a Wesselman’s grocery store Thursday, paying for unsuspecting shoppers’ groceries before heading to local gas stations to cover customers’ fuel purchases.
Sterling United CEO Dan Bullock told WFIE the initiative reflects the credit union’s founding mission of serving the community.
“We felt like it was very important to help those out in need when we can, so we’re buying groceries and getting gas,” Bullock said.
Bullock said the event embodies the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” which he said has guided the institution since its founding.
‘People are Struggling Right Now’
Chief Lending Officer Michelle Hyde said the goal was to create unexpected moments of relief for community members facing financial challenges. “I know people are struggling right now, so it’s a hard time for a lot of people, so basically just surprise them,” Hyde told WFIE.
Bullock noted that Sterling United is designated as a low-income credit union and primarily serves members who live paycheck to paycheck. “We bank a lot of people that other banks and credit unions may not help out,” he said.
Hyde said the anniversary celebration was intended as a way to thank the community for supporting the credit union over the past seven decades.
“Just giving back to 70 years of being in the community. We want to give back to people and pay it forward to them so hopefully people are surprised and it’s Christmas in July,” Hyde said, according to WFIE.
