Whether it's giving back, awarding scholarships, creating community, providing innovative solutions, or fostering financial literacy (and so much more), here's how Wisconsin's credit unions supported their members and communities in December!
Giving Back
Prospera hosts annual Youth Angel Tree Project in Abbotsford
Prospera Credit Union’s 14th annual Youth Angel Tree Project is once again bringing holiday cheer to local youth in need. The initiative is run in collaboration with the Archway Youth Resource Centre, which offers support services, street outreach and crisis interventions for youth and families. (Prospera Credit Union, 12/2)
Meals on Wheels joins CoVantage’s ‘Giving Tuesday’ match
Meals on Wheels of Stevens Point has been selected as a partner for this year’s CoVantage Cares Foundation Giving Tuesday Matching Campaign, offering donors a chance to double their impact between Dec. 2 and Dec. 16. During the two-week fundraiser, every dollar given to Meals on Wheels through the campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the foundation. Donations can be made at any CoVantage Credit Union branch or online through Meals on Wheels or CoVantage’s Giving Tuesday webpage. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/3)
CoVantage members to receive largest patronage payment in credit union’s history
CoVantage Credit Union will distribute a record $7.5 million in patronage payments to its members at the end of the year, the largest payout in the financial cooperative’s history. The money will be deposited into member accounts on Dec. 31 and includes both bonuses on dividends for savers and loan-interest rebates for borrowers. According to the credit union, more than $30 million has been returned to members through patronage over the last five years.
(CoVantage Credit Union, 12/10)
Hundreds of volunteers unite for Janesville’s Bags of Hope food distribution
As food insecurity continues to affect thousands of students in the School District of Janesville, a long-running community effort is stepping in to help meet those needs both during the school year and beyond. The district’s Delivering Bags of Hope initiative held its 17th annual food distribution Saturday, providing groceries and essential items to families ahead of winter break, when school meals and snacks are not available. Volunteers gathered at the Dollar General Distribution Center to package and distribute food to families across the district. (Blackhawk Community Credit Union, 12/13)
PCCU donates $1,200 to Merrill Community Food Pantry
Merrill-based Park City Credit Union (PCCU) donated $1,200 to the Merrill Community Food Pantry as part of a larger effort to support food pantries across north central Wisconsin during the holiday season. The donation helped fund Thanksgiving meals for families in the Merrill area as demand at local food pantries continues to rise due to inflation and high food costs. “At Park City Credit Union, serving our communities is at the heart of everything we do,” said Adam Donner, Community Engagement Ambassador for PCCU. “We’re proud to lend a helping hand to our local food pantries as they face unprecedented demand. No one should have to go hungry.” (Park City Credit Union, 12/18)
St. Clare Health Mission receives $100,000 from Altra Federal Credit Union
The Saint Clare Health Mission received a $100,000 donation from Altra Federal Credit Union on Monday. The funding will support renovations for their new clinic on Jackson Street and contribute to their Community Cares Capital Campaign. Cheryl Dutton, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Altra Federal Credit Union, emphasized the value of the donation. (Altra Federal Credit Union, 12/22)
Credit unions bring holiday cheer through innovative community giving
Credit unions nationwide are launching creative holiday initiatives that go beyond traditional toy and food drives, including porch-to-pantry services and community-directed giving campaigns. These efforts demonstrate how the cooperative model transforms seasonal generosity into year-round community partnerships. (Capital Credit Union, Marine Credit Union, 12/23)
Fort Community Credit Union donates to Rock River Community Clinic
Fort Community Credit Union has made a gift of more than $900 to the Rock River Community Clinic.In a release, the credit union said donated $909.10 to the clinic through its new employee charitable giving program, which allows employees to voluntarily deduct a portion of their paycheck to support local nonprofits. ( Fort Community Credit Union, 12/23)
Fort Community Credit Union gives to Fort Atkinson Food Pantry
Fort Community Credit Union recently donated a little over $900 to the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry. The credit union created a new program where team members can donate part of their paycheck to different charities throughout Fort Atkinson. It has donated to 11 organizations in its inaugural year, with the Fort Atkinson Food Pantry among those chosen. In a release, it was noted that the credit union donated a total of $909.09.( Fort Community Credit Union, 12/23)
Fort Community Credit Union gives to Friends of the Whitewater Public Library
Fort Community Credit Union has made a gift of more than $900 to the Friends of the Whitewater Public Library.The credit union said in a release it donated $909.09 to the library friends as part of its employee charitable giving program.( Fort Community Credit Union, 12/23)
CoVantage Cares Campaign Raises Over $18,000 for United Way of Shawano County
A successful Giving Tuesday effort will translate into major support for local nonprofits, thanks to the generosity of Shawano County residents and the CoVantage Cares Foundation match. Board member and CoVantage Credit Union representative Adam Gast says the community stepped up in a big way, contributing just over $9,000 to the campaign. With the CoVantage Cares match, that total climbed to more than $18,000, all of which will support United Way’s annual allocation process. (CoVantage Credit Union, 12/29)
WESTconsin Credit Union Spreads Joy and Warmth This Winter Season
WESTconsin Credit Union hosted a “Shop Small, Share Joy” Kindness Counts event. The goal was simple: brighten members’ days and support the small businesses that make up communities. WESTconsin employees surprised members with gift cards to locally owned businesses, turning ordinary moments into unexpected sparks of joy. Across WESTconsin’s membership area, they handed out gift cards to 313 members and supported 47 small businesses. (WESTconsin Credit Union, 12/22)
Fostering Excellence
Landmark Credit Union invests $500K in Waukesha County GROW Fund
The Waukesha County Center for Growth announced a $500,000 investment from Landmark Credit Union into its GROW Fund, strengthening efforts to support business expansion, job creation, and workforce housing across the county, according to a news release. (Landmark Credit Union, 12/23)