A record sixty-six Illinois credit unions and partners joined forces with the Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) Oct. 11 for the third annual CU Kind Day, a state-wide initiative to spread kindness.  Demonstrating the shared core value of “people helping people,” the Illinois credit union movement rolled up their sleeves and harnessed the power of cooperation to support their local communities.

CU Kind Day brought together 2,700 credit union volunteers who collectively supported 322 community organizations. The cooperative effort generated more than $80,000 in goods and donations.

Efforts included giving monetary donations; online wish list shopping; collecting donations for local charities; volunteering at foodbanks; conducting clothing, diaper, and food drives; doing random acts of kindness; providing member appreciation events; and much more.

“The tremendous impact Illinois credit unions, ICUL’s partners, and our own team continue to make amid challenging circumstances is truly amazing,” said ICUL President/CEO Tom Kane.  “It makes me proud to be part of the League and the movement as a whole.  While Illinois credit unions put their members and communities first every day,  CU Kind Day offers the opportunity to concentrate these efforts and show the members of our communities how much we value them.  It’s also an invaluable way to inspire more acts of kindness that build stronger communities.”

ICUL launched CU Kind Day in 2019 with the purpose of spreading kindness and generating awareness for the good work credit unions do in their communities and for their members.  While the pandemic continues to alter the strategy for doing good, it has not changed the credit union mission to spread kindness.