As a summer marked by uncertainty but eased by outdoor relief slips by, credit unions continue to lift up the communities they serve by providing resources and monetary support.

Some of the ways credit unions are assisting their communities:

Chartway Federal Credit Union

The We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, Virginia Beach, Va., hosted a surprise parade for Ames, a 14-year-old boy who has battled cancer most of his life. The foundation funded his wish to go to Walt Disney World. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the trip was postponed. But Chartway Federal staff paraded their decorated vehicles by Ames' house, honking, waving, playing music, blowing bubbles, and spreading some much-needed joy.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union, Tysons, Va., welcomed its seventh veteran service dog, Ace. As a part of PenFed’s philanthropic focus on supporting the military community, the credit union partners with America’s VetDogs to foster and train dogs to care for military veterans and first responders with disabilities.

Firefly Credit Union

Firefly Credit Union, Burnsville, Minn., donated school supplies, food, personal care products, and other essentials to several organizations in the Twin Cities to help families in need. “Firefly truly believes in and embraces the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” says Dale Turner, president/CEO. “We strive to give back to our communities whenever and however we can. Donating food and essential supplies for those in need is just one way we give back.”

Redwood Credit Union

Redwood Credit Union (RCU), Santa Rosa, Calif., hosted a free, 60-minute webcast, “Self-Care and Stress Management: Tools and Best Practices for Coping with COVID-19 and Beyond.” The webcast is available on RCU’s YouTube channel.