ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – America’s favorite pastime delivered more than exciting moments on the field this summer. Through partnerships with two minor league baseball teams, United Federal Credit Union (United) turned strikeouts and stolen bases into support for local families, donating a total of $9,000 to nonprofits in Indiana and Pennsylvania.
At United, supporting the communities it serves is at the heart of its mission. Whether helping provide meals for children facing food insecurity or supporting families impacted by pediatric cancer, United is committed to investing in programs that make a meaningful difference where its Members and employees live and work.
In South Bend, Ind., United completed its second season as the sponsor of the South Bend Cubs’ “Strike Out Hunger” campaign. Throughout the regular season, United donated $5 for every strikeout recorded by Cubs pitchers. The Cubs finished the season with 1,191 strikeouts, and United rounded its contribution to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana to $6,000, bringing its two-year total donation to $12,000.
“Strike Out Hunger is a powerful example of what can happen when people come together to help their neighbors,” said Jacob Alexander, United’s Senior Market Development Manager in Indiana. “Every strikeout represents something bigger than a statistic on the field. It represents meals for families right here in our communities. At United, supporting the communities we serve is part of who we are, and we’re proud to continue investing in an initiative that helps children throughout Northern Indiana. Every child deserves access to nutritious food that helps them learn, grow and thrive.”
“Strike Out Hunger” supports the Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. It is designed for students in grades K-6 and is free to eligible students. Participating schools are identified as having a high rate of children eligible for free/reduced lunch programs. During the 2025-2026 school year, students in 20 schools in Elkhart, LaPorte, Marshall, Starke and St. Joseph Counties participated in the program.
In Allentown, Penn., United’s commitment to community impact took the field for the first year through its sponsorship of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs’ “Bases of Hope” campaign. For every base stolen by the IronPigs this season, United donated $20 to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley. The team recorded 115 stolen bases, generating a donation of $2,300, which United increased to $3,000 to further support local families facing pediatric cancer.
“The Bases of Hope campaign shows how small moments can add up to make a meaningful difference,” said Jessica Rodriguez, District Manager at United Federal Credit Union. “Watching each stolen base contribute to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s donation made the season even more exciting, knowing it would ultimately help local children and families. Supporting our communities is a core part of United’s mission, and we’re grateful to partner with organizations that are creating a lasting impact throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
While the baseball season may be over, the impact of these campaigns will continue long after the final out. Together with the South Bend Cubs, Lehigh Valley IronPigs and local nonprofit partners, United helped turn moments on the field into meaningful support for families in need. It’s one more way United is fulfilling its mission to support the communities it serves and create lasting positive change where its members, employees and neighbors live and work.
