TEMPLE, Texas–Texell Credit Union said it has formed the Texell Serves Foundation to contribute to and participate in philanthropic efforts that benefit Central Texas.
“While the foundation is newly formed, its roots began in 2015 to provide opportunities for Texell Credit Union’s employees to take part in various worthy causes in the communities where they live, work, and play,” the $765.8-million credit union said. “After ten years of contributing to philanthropic efforts as ‘Texell Serves,’ the foundation was formed to further serve our communities through fundraising and donations.”
TCU said it recently amended the bylaws to allow Texas residents and businesses who are existing members or who join the Texell Serves Foundation to become eligible for membership to Texell Credit Union.
To ‘Affirm’ Commitment
“Texell Credit Union established The Texell Serves Foundation to affirm our commitment to making Central Texas a better place, focusing on charities that improve the financial education and the social well-being of our communities,” Tony Hale, chairman of the Texas Serves Foundation board and president and CEO of Texell Credit Union, said in a statement. “The Foundation will allow us to increase our volunteer efforts and accomplish more for Central Texas residents and communities.”
Since its inception, the credit union said Texell Serves has helped thousands of families at food pantries, including Brighter Days in Leander, The Caring Place in Georgetown, Shepherd’s Heart in Hewitt, Love of Christ in Temple, and Churches Touching Lives for Christ in Temple.
At blood drives benefiting Carter BloodCare and Baylor Scott & White (BS&W) Blood Center, volunteers donated hundreds of units of blood, it added.
One Person’s Role
Kara Kelm, Financial Service Coordinator at Texell’s 31st Street branch, helped organize Texell Serves when it first started with a small group discussing ideas on how to give back to the community. She is still on the committee that organizes events, and her favorite is Home Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior, where employees and members purchase gifts for older adults during the holidays, Texell Credit Union said.
“Being a part of a volunteer group means showing up not just with your time, but with your heart,” Kelm said. “It’s about bringing joy, dignity, and human connection to those who need it most.”
Helping Build Beds
Texell Serves reported it also built beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit dedicated to providing beds for children in need. Other nonprofits that benefited from Texell Serves include Feed My Sheep, the Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Baptist Children’s Home, and Foster Love of Bell County.
