SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF THE NORTH POLE–Credit unions have spent the weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays gathering food donations, making donations, volunteering employee time and even participating in a Jolabokaflod, all to help the less fortunate in their communities.
Below is just a partial overview of some of what credit unions have been doing. Additional items appear in the CU Daily’s The CommUnity News section.
Mid-Atlantic FCU Aids Pediatric Patients
GAITHERSBURG, Md.–Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union and Holy Cross Health again joined forces to spread joy this season to pediatric patients through the 2025 Holiday Toy Drive.
All were invited to help make the holidays a bit brighter for local children and families supported by Holy Cross Health.
People could drop off a new unwrapped toy to any Mid-Atlantic FCU branch in Germantown, Gaithersburg, or Silver Spring.
“Every year, our members and neighbors come together to show what community really means,” President and CEO Tami Schiavone said in a statement. “Through our partnership with Holy Cross Health, together we have an opportunity to help bring a little extra joy to local families who need it most. We’re asking everyone to please donate. Your contributions—big or small—can truly make a difference this holiday season.”
Donations collected through the drive will be distributed to pediatric patients served by Holy Cross Health Centers, which provide care to local families in need. Last year, over 100 new toys were donated, the CU said.
America First CU Warms Soles
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah– America First Credit Union’s charitable program Warm the Soles also warmed some hearts when an entire Salt Lake City elementary school got a huge surprise. They were all brought out to America First Field in Sandy for a field trip.
What the 548 kids and teachers didn’t know, is that in addition to touring the stadium and meeting players from Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus, they all were sent home with a brand-new pair of shoes just in time for Christmas.
The America First Credit Union Charitable Foundation had pre-fitted shoes for the kids and teachers from Mountain View Elementary. All they had to do is slip the new kicks on their feet. This is the 31st year of their “Warm the Soles” program that gives thousands of pairs of shoes to children across the Western United States every single year, the credit union said.
iTHINK Holds ‘Jingle Bells at the Branches’
POMPANO BEACH — A holiday gift program that began in one CU’s branch office seven years ago has grown into a two-state effort, with hundreds of presents delivered to schoolchildren in Pompano Beach and Lauderdale Lakes.
iTHINK Financial’s “Jingle Bells at the Branches” with Santa Claus and his helpers from iTHINK Financial visited young students at C. Robert Markham Elementary in Pompano Beach, where preschoolers in the school’s Head Start program received three gifts each.
The credit union’s staff buys and wraps the gifts on their own.
“This is a labor of love because we actually purchase these gifts ourselves,” a spokesperson said. “We go shopping, and we wrap them in the branches. So, we have everyone involved.”
The spokesperson said some employees also attend the events just for the joy of seeing see the looks on kids’ faces when they receive a bag of gifts from the big guy at the North Pole.
Roughly 185 gifts were delivered to the students at Markham Elementary. A similar number were delivered by Santa and iTHINK volunteers at Oriole Elementary in Lauderdale Lakes.
The CU said each child receives multiple presents because many families face economic hardship. “We do three gifts because we know that many of these kids have siblings who might not receive gifts. So, we like to provide enough that they could probably share with their brothers and sisters.”
FAMU FCU Hosts Toy Drive
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— The FAMU Federal Credit Union spread holiday cheer through a local toy drive benefiting children in Southwest Tallahassee.
The credit union collected new, unwrapped toys for children ages six months to five years.
Tucson FCU Sponsors Festival of Lights
TUCSON, Ariz.– Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) has announced a $5,000 sponsorship of the 2025 Winterhaven Festival of Lights, serving as the official Volunteer T-Shirt Sponsor for this year’s event.
The sponsorship ensures volunteers are well-supported and easily identified as they welcome the more than 200,000 residents and visitors who experience the Festival each holiday season, the credit union said.
As a financial cooperative founded and headquartered in Tucson, TFCU continues its long-standing commitment to investing in local institutions, cultural traditions, and events that bring the community together.
“For generations, Winterhaven has been one of Tucson’s most joyful and unifying traditions—something families look forward to all year,” President and CEO Matthew E. Gaspari said in a statement. “Supporting this festival is part of our responsibility and pride as a local credit union. We’re here to uplift the community that shaped us, and we’re honored to stand alongside the volunteers who make the magic happen.”
Winterhaven volunteers assist with guest guidance, collection of donations for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, accessibility support, lost-and-found, shuttle coordination, and nightly operations. TFCU’s sponsorship provides direct support to the teams helping maintain safety, hospitality, and the welcoming spirit the Festival is known for.
Texas Trust Gives Foundation Supports Toy Drive
ARLINGTON, Texas– Charitable toy drives across the metroplex received a boost this month with a check from the Texas Trust Gives Foundation.
Texas Trust Credit Union employees were busy spreading joy in December, delivering checks ranging from $1,500 to $8,500 to organizations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Athens, and San Angelo.
Donations were made to Toys for Tots in Mansfield, Cedar Hill, San Angelo and Athens the Mission Joy Toy Drive for Mission Arlington, the Salvation Army, and the Santa’s Helpers in Grand Prairie. The donations allow these charities to purchase toys and necessities to ensure every child they serve has something new to open on Christmas day.
Employees of Texas Trust Credit Union also participated in the annual shopping challenge against Texas Health Mansfield, where both teams raced to fill shopping baskets with toys at Academy Sports and Outdoors. All the toys collected were then donated to the Mansfield Toys for Tots drive.
“We absolutely love being able to give back to the community throughout the year, but what we do at Christmas is the most heartening,” Washima Huq, executive director of Texas Trust Gives Foundation, said in a statement.
Texas Trust employees also volunteered hundreds of hours for each of the toy drives that received a donation and participated in the Salvation Army Ring the Bell Banks Challenge, the Mission Arlington Christmas Store, Wreaths Across America, and a few elementary school Christmas parties in Arlington and Fort Worth.
Added Huq, “The foundation was established for the very purpose of helping others in our community. It is our hope by being able to ease another’s financial burden, we are helping them build a brighter financial future. These donations came from the credit union and employee donors, which makes it merrier.”
Coastal CU Supports Salvation Army Angel Tree
RALEIGH, N.C.– Coastal Credit Union said that it had collected toys for 200 children in need, in partnership with the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.
Coastal hosted Angel Trees at all area branches from Nov. 10 to Dec. 5. Credit union members and employees generously donated, ensuring that 100% of the angels available at Coastal were adopted.
The holiday season is a time when many families in our communities face financial hardship, and this year, nearly 8,000 children have registered for the Angel Tree program, the credit union reported.
LAKE MARY, Fla–Addition Financial Credit Union team members volunteered their time and resources to support nonprofits across Central Florida, North Florida, and South Georgia as part of the organization’s annual “Season of Giving” campaign.
During November and December, more than 150 Addition Financial volunteers dedicated over 450 hours of service through ten volunteer events benefiting ten different nonprofit organizations.
Team members spread holiday cheer through a variety of community projects, including:
- Holiday decorating for children and families staying at Give Kids the World Village
- Lobby decorating at Orlando Family Stage ahead of their holiday performances
- Donation sorting at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
- The Feed the Community event with Second Harvest of the Big Bend
- Thanksgiving meal distribution at United Against Poverty Orlando
- Gingerbread house building with adults with disabilities at Quest, Inc.
- Cooking and Serving meals for families at Ronald McDonald House in Tallahassee
- Hosting Gift wrapping workshop for children receiving services at UCP of Central Florida
- Purchasing gifts for 35 children through the Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Florida “Holiday Cheer” campaign
“Every year, our team members show incredible generosity through their time, energy, and compassion for others,” said Cassie Roach, marketing principal specialist and volunteer coordinator at Addition Financial. “It’s inspiring to see how our employees go above and beyond to support so many worthy causes during the holidays. Their commitment to giving back truly reflects our values as a credit union that cares deeply about the communities we serve.”
Genisys CU Staff Donate 2,300 Hours to 11 Nonprofits
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –As the holiday season highlights the spirit of giving, Genisys Credit Union said its team showcased the heart of the credit union movement–people helping people–by volunteering 2,300 hours at 11 nonprofit organizations in six counties during a collective day of caring.
“The mission for our day of caring was centered around being present in our communities in Michigan and Minnesota; listening, serving, and making a real difference, together,” President and CEO Jackie Buchanan said in a statement. “Even though our team is spread out, our commitment to community keeps us connected. By working alongside our nonprofit partners, we advanced projects that supported families, sustained vital programs, and strengthened the communities we call home. This day served as a powerful reminder that when we unite for a shared purpose, we can create lasting impact.”
Genisys said 580 of its team members came together for four hours to benefit local nonprofit partners – the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Lighthouse of Michigan, Detroit Dog Rescue, Clarkston Family Farm, Turning Point, Macomb, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, the Clinton River Watershed Council, Belleville Township, the City of Roseville, MN, and The Open Door, MN – giving back to those who provide essential services to their communities.
In addition to their volunteer support, the credit union said it invested nearly $140,000 to benefit the respective nonprofit organizations; a combination of financial donations, purchased materials for the needed projects, and the value of more than 2,300 volunteer hours. This investment is a reflection of the credit union philosophy that meaningful support takes many forms – time, donations, and resources.
The Highlights
Highlights of their day of caring include:
- A group of nearly 200 volunteers rehabbing a 25-acre farm into a dog sanctuary by mulching, landscaping paths for scent trails, painting, and more for Detroit Dog Rescue along with creating sensory mats and bandanas for their rescued residents.
- A team of 37 refreshing common spaces at Turning Point to create a healing environment for domestic violence survivors and their families
- 130 volunteers sorting food donations and assembling food boxes at The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan (FBEM), which resulted in over 61,000 pounds of food moved to create nearly 52,000 meals to benefit 42,000 people
- Volunteers putting on waders to clean up the Clinton River at Heritage and Delia Parks in Michigan by removing hundreds of pounds of trash
- Removing invasive species, buckthorn, from a local park in Minnesota; and raking, weeding, and cleaning a 10-acre historic cemetery in Belleville, Mich.
- Partnering with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (IVC) in Macomb County to provide support for seven households of aging and disabled homeowners living independently with various home projects
- Assembled snack packs with The Open Door in Minnesota and helped Lighthouse in Pontiac sort food donations for local families in need, assemble hygiene kits and snack packs, and deep clean their family emergency shelter
- Transitioned Clarkston Family Farm, a non-profit educational farm, to be winter ready by clearing beds, mulching trails, planting bulbs, and tackling dream projects
“The basis of community is support. By giving back to their nonprofit partners during a season of generosity, and in the spirit of people helping people, the credit union strengthens the communities they serve and inspires hope for continued impact into the new year,” Genisys said.
Dade County FCU Leads Holiday Toy Caravan
SWEETWATER, Fla.–Dade County Federal Credit Union (DCFCU) has announced its Holiday Toy Caravan, a festive initiative delivering joy and gifts to children across three local elementary schools: Kinlock Park Elementary, Toussaint Louverture Elementary, and Miami Gardens Elementary.
Each student at these schools will receive a brand-new toy— totaling over 5,000 toys donated, the credit union said.
The caravan kicked off at the credit union’s headquarters accompanied by police escorts for a safe and celebratory journey to the first stop at Miami Gardens Elementary. Joining the caravan was DCFCU’s Mobile Branch, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, ready to bring holiday magic to every child.
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of DCFCU members and 13 community partners, who have worked diligently throughout the year to collect and donate toys, the credit union said. All toys are brand new and ready to brighten the holiday season for local families.
“We love our community, we care for our community, and we serve our community,” said Federica Chalumeau, chief experience officer, said in a statement. “This caravan is a reflection of that commitment—bringing joy and hope to thousands of children during the holidays.”
George Joseph, president and CEO, added, “For over 85 years, we have proudly served our community, and we are honored to call this our third annual toy drive. It’s a tradition that truly embodies the spirit of giving and the values we stand for.”
Public Service CU Holds ‘Project Giveback’
FORT WAYNE, Ind. –Public Service Credit Union held its “Project Giveback.” After inviting community members to submit a survey answering the question: ‘What do you most wish for this Christmas?’. ‘
The credit union’s goal with the event – to make those wishes come true.
From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., participants were welcomed into the credit union’s Fort Wayne and Huntington locations for celebrations with gifts, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa & Mrs. Claus.
The event was first held in 2020, created out of a ‘desire to make a difference during a difficult time’.
The credit union says it has now become tradition, with a record number of individuals submitting surveys this year.
“Community is the basis of what makes a credit union work,” Robert Boswell, manager of Public Service Credit Union’s Fort Wayne location, said in a statement.
People’s CU Branch Hosts a ‘Jolabokaflod’
MIDDLETOWN, R.I.—Employees of People’s Credit Union’s Middletown branch hosted a “Jolabokaflod’ Christmas book exchange at the Middletown Public Library.
A Jolabokaflod is the beloved Icelandic tradition of the “Christmas Book Flood,” where books are exchanged as gifts on Christmas Eve and then spent reading them together, often with hot chocolate and treats, turning the night into a cozy, literary celebration.
Originating during WWII when paper wasn’t rationed, books became the perfect affordable gift, leading to a huge release of new titles in autumn, advertised in a special catalog, the Bókatíðindi, sent to every home.
LGE Foundation Donates $389K
ATLANTA–LGE Community Outreach Foundation presented $389,598 to local nonprofit organizations at LGE Community Credit Union’s annual celebration breakfast. This year’s donations brought the LGE Foundation’s lifetime giving total to over $3 million, marking an impactful milestone in LGE’s commitment to the metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia communities.
The event recognized nonprofit organizations the LGE Foundation supported in 2025, and each organization was invited to speak and share donor impact stories with the credit union’s approximately 340 employees.
Nonprofits that received donations from the LGE Foundation included Calvary Children’s Home, CASA of Paulding County, Drake House, McKenna Farms, MUST Ministries, Next Step Ministries, Safe Path, Sexual Assault Center of Northwest Georgia, United Military Care and Warehouse of Hope.
“Our mission goes beyond financial services; it’s about improving lives,” LGE Community CU President and CEO Chris Leggett said in a statement. “This milestone shows that when we work together, we can create lasting change for the communities we serve.”
US Senate FCU Donates $75K to Fight Hunger
ALEXANDRIA, Va.–As part of the holiday season, the United States Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) has donated $75,000 to organizations fighting hunger and supporting families across the region.
Throughout the final weeks of December, USSFCU’s president & CEO and members of the CU’s leadership team personally visited nonprofit partners to deliver checks and express support for their mission-driven work during one of the busiest times of the year.
Year-end donations were distributed to the following organizations:
- Carpenter’s Shelter — $10,000
- Capital Area Food Bank — $10,000
- SOME (So Others Might Eat) — $15,000
- Maryland Food Bank — $10,000
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank — $10,000
- Manna Food Center — $10,000
- ALIVE! — $10,000
These donations help ensure local families have access to meals, shelter, and essential support heading into the winter months, when community needs often rise sharply.
“Our commitment goes beyond writing a check—it’s about showing up for our community,” said Timothy L. Anderson, president & CEO of USSFCU. “Food banks and service organizations are doing critical work during the busiest time of the year. It was important to us not only to provide financial assistance, but to visit each nonprofit in person and hear directly about the impact they are making.”
“Being able to meet these organizations face-to-face was incredibly meaningful for our team,” added Eduardo Villanueva, Engagement & Events Manager. “We see firsthand how much dedication goes into supporting families, and we’re proud to play even a small part in helping them continue their mission.”
Peach State FCU Hosts Toy Drive
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.– Peach State FCU has completed a successful toy drive in support of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. Every year, the credit union invites members and staff to donate new, unwrapped toys and bring them to one of its branch locations.
This year’s drive comes at a time when many families across Georgia and South Carolina are experiencing heighted financial strain, the credit union said. Despite these challenges, Peach State has witnessed extraordinary generosity from its members and neighbors – proof that even in difficult times – the spirit of giving remains strong.
“We believe in coming together when it matters most,” said Ryan Hawk, Peach State’s Executive Director of Business Development and Community Outreach and C.A.R.E.S. Foundation president. “Through this annual initiative, people are prioritizing others even as they face economic uncertainty. It truly reflects our goal of giving back, especially in times of greatest need.”
As part of its longstanding commitment to service, Peach State said it continues to uphold its mission of improving the lives of its members and the communities it serves. The credit union’s philanthropic arm, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, provides an opportunity for members and outside donors to make a difference together and help in a bigger way.
“Positive impacts are made through meaningful contributions, volunteered time, and donated materials, helping to improve the lives of our Georgia and South Carolina neighbors,” Peach State said. “At the end of the third quarter, the Foundation had donated over $670,000 to local non-profits, school systems, and the arts across the credit union’s service area.”
JetStream FCU Completes Annual Toy Drive
MIAMI LAKES, Fla.–JetStream Federal Credit Union has successfully completed its annual holiday toy drive benefiting the children of Kristi House.
JetStream FCU said its employees once again came together to collect new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy and comfort to children and families served by Kristi House during the holiday season.
Kristi House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and support for young survivors of sexual abuse, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse, hosts an annual toy drive to ensure children in their programs receive gifts during the holidays.
“We are honored to support Kristi House and the meaningful work they do for children in our community,” said Emilio Ruiz, Market Outreach and Community training specialist. “Seeing our employees come together to give back is incredibly rewarding. These toys represent more than gifts; they represent hope, care, and a sense of joy for children who truly deserve it.”
“At JetStream, giving back is at the heart of who we are,” said CEO Jeanne Kucey. “This toy drive reflects the compassion and generosity of our team and our commitment to supporting organizations like Kristi House that make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need.”
Members Cooperative CU Marks 12 Days of Giving
DULUTH, Ga.–Members Cooperative Credit Union’s annual 12 Days of Giving initiative provided $30,000 in donations to local non-profit organizations.
Each of Members’ 12 branches helped choose a community organization to receive $2,500. These donations will support the needs and essential services these non-profits provide to people in our communities.
The 2025 recipients are:
- Day One: Twin Ports Thanksgiving Day Buffet, BlueStone branch
- Day Two: Bridges of Hope, Baxter branch
- Day Three: Moose Lake Food Shelf, Moose Lake branch
- Day Four: Aitkin Youth Center, Aitkin branch
- Day Five: Salvation Army, Cloquet branch
- Day Six: Family Pathways – North Branch Food Shelf, North Branch office
- Day Seven: Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (CASDA), Spirit Valley branch
- Day Eight: First Call for Help, Grand Rapids branch
- Day Nine: Kids Plus Program, McGregor branch
- Day Ten: Family Pathways – Sandstone Food Shelf, Sandstone branch
- Day Eleven: Merritt Creek Academy, Miller Hill branch
- Day Twelve: Cambridge Surplus Food Distribution, Isanti branch
LAWRENCE, Mass.– BrightBridge Credit Union has announced the success of its annual Holiday Food Drive from Nov. 1 through Dec. 6 across all 19 retail branch locations. The extended drive collected nearly 2,500 pounds of nonperishable food items, which were donated to several regional food banks and pantries to support as many of the credit union’s communities as possible.
The donated items were distributed to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Healthy Waltham, Damien’s Food Pantry in Wareham and Waystone Health & Human Services in Lawrence, Mass.
To maximize support for families throughout the season, BrightBridge said it made two donation drop-offs: one before Thanksgiving to help families celebrate the holiday, and another during the second week of December to provide additional support during the broader holiday season.
“Extending our food drive this year allowed us to support even more community members for a longer period, helping those who may be struggling during the holidays,” said BrightBridge Senior Vice President and Chief Culture Officer Anthony Marino. “As a credit union, helping people is at the heart of our mission and I was so proud to see both my team members and our members embrace the season of giving. It reminds us of how amazing and powerful it is to come together as a community.”
MMCCU’s Benevolent Branches Sees Outstanding Community Support
MARSHFIELD, Wis.–Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union’s first Benevolent Branches giving campaign closed with an impressive show of generosity from members and the wider community.
The holiday effort invited visitors to select an ornament tag from a tree inside the credit union, each representing a needed item for a local nonprofit. By the end of the campaign, the branches were nearly bare and the donation bins were full, the credit union said.
“This effort really showed how caring our community is,” Tiffany Schara, Business Development Specialist at MMCCU and the coordinator for Benevolent Branches, said in a statement. “People were eager to help, and they gave with open hearts.” She also highlighted the contributions of Nancy Joch, who went above and beyond with multiple donations. “Nancy should be known as our Benevolent Branches champion. She brought in a remarkable number of items, and her kindness set the tone for the whole campaign.”
Donations supported a wide range of local organizations, including the Hannah Center, Shirley’s House of Hope, Marshfield Area Pet Shelter, Cattails Place, Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, St Vincent de Paul Outreach, Soup or Socks, Ronald McDonald House, and Children’s Miracle Network. Each group received items directly, ensuring the gifts reached families and individuals in need.
The giving window originally ran Nov. 12-Dec. 5, with an extension to Dec. 12 due to community interest. Participants who returned items received a keepsake ornament as a token of appreciation.
Schara noted that MMCCU hopes to build on this momentum next year. “The response showed that people want chances to help one another. We’re grateful for every single donation.”
