WESTBROOK – Maine credit unions put their People Helping People philosophy into action this October, participating in the state’s second annual Credit Union Kind Day through acts of kindness, volunteerism and charitable giving.
Observed on or around Oct. 12, Credit Union Kind Day brought credit union employees together to support local nonprofits, recognize community heroes and brighten the lives of their neighbors. From food donations and care packages to volunteer projects and unexpected gestures of generosity, credit unions found meaningful ways to give back.
Among this year’s activities:
Cumberland County Federal Credit Union packed 550 pounds of food for Freeport Community Services and made additional donations to local hunger relief efforts.
Dirigo Federal Credit Union joined the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent to volunteer at Good Shepherd Food Bank, sorting and packing 3,020 pounds of food, equivalent to approximately 2,013 meals.
Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union surprised 100 members with $25 grocery gift cards, while Sabattus Regional Credit Union covered purchases at local coffee shops and delivered meals to first responders.
KV Federal Credit Union assembled 100 “Bags of Hope” for individuals experiencing homelessness, while PeoplesChoice Credit Union and Community Credit Union prepared activity and care kits for patients and families at MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital.
OTIS Federal Credit Union employees volunteered to clean historic gravestones at Jay Hill Cemetery, while Midcoast Federal Credit Union recognized local first responders with meals and messages of appreciation.
Additional efforts included charitable donations from Casco Federal Credit Union to nonprofits including Make-A-Wish Maine and the Maine Cancer Foundation, and a collection drive organized by Acadia Federal Credit Union to support survivors of domestic violence.
“CU Kind Day is a wonderful reflection of what makes credit unions so special,” Elise M. Baldacci, president of the Maine Credit Union League, said. “Every day, our credit unions demonstrate their commitment to the communities they serve. This initiative gave us an additional opportunity to celebrate that generosity and show how even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.”
Originally established in Minnesota in 2018, Credit Union Kind Day has grown into a nationwide celebration of the credit union movement’s commitment to service and community.
The Maine Credit Union League is a nonprofit, professional trade association that exists to serve Maine’s credit unions. Founded in 1938, the League’s mission is to help credit unions succeed and improve the financial lives of their members. As the trade association for Maine’s credit unions, the League provides advocacy, education and other resources designed to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.