Credit unions closed 2019 and welcomed 2020 with more good deeds within the communities they serve and honors celebrating their accomplishments.

Some creative ways credit unions serve their communities:

First Financial Federal Credit Union

In addition to the donation to the WBAL Kids Campaign, First Financial Federal Credit Union found other ways to brighten the holidays for families in its communities. For its employee give-back program, First Financial employees participated in the Angel Tree Program for the Salvation Army of Central Maryland. Through employee donations, 100 angels received presents. Plus, First Financial’s Risk and Information Technology team collected non-perishable food items for Assistance Center of Towson Churches, a local food pantry.

SEFCU

During the holiday season, employees of SEFCU, Albany, N.Y., distributed more than $350,000 to 44 food pantries across the state.

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, Rocky Hill, Conn., made great strides during 2019 in its mission to serve communities across the state, with more than 1,200 hours of staff participation at 100 public events during the year. The credit union closed out its year of charity work as the main sponsor of Alzheimer’s Association events in New Haven and Hartford, where it donated nearly $15,000 for research and to support those affected by the disease. Nutmeg staff and members contributed another $1,000 by purchasing “Forget-Me-Not” paper flowers on display at each of the credit union’s branch locations.

Ascend Federal Credit Union

Caren Gabriel, president/CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union, Tullahoma, Tenn., was named one of WomenInc.’s 2019 Most Influential Corporate Board Directors. Gabriel, the only credit union president/CEO to make the list, and was recognized for her seat on the CUNA Mutual Group board. (Photo)

PSECU

PSECU once again sponsored the annual Fill a Glass with Hope initiative, a collaboration among Feeding Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, the American Dairy Association North East, agriculture partners, and business leaders which provides eight glasses of fresh milk to families in need for each $1 donation received. By contributing $10,000 to the cause, the Harrisburg, Pa.-based credit union will provide up to 80,000 servings of milk to those experiencing hunger in local communities. (Twitter)

American Eagle Financial Credit Union

American Eagle Financial Credit Union, East Hartford, Conn., is supporting energy assistance programs for the state’s low-income households. It donated $4,000 from its charitable fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to support Operation Fuel and the Community Renewal Team. Operation Fuel partners with local government and community-based organizations at more than 100 sites throughout Connecticut to ensure families and individuals in need have access to year-round energy assistance. (Twitter Jan.3)

Pelican State Credit Union

Pelican State Credit Union, Baton Rouge, La., raised nearly $18,000 for its 2019 Charity of the Year, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. Pelican State held numerous fundraisers and employee events hosted by Beak Squad, the credit union’s volunteer and fundraising committee. (Photo)