America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU), a faith-based financial institution headquartered in Southern California, recently concluded a four-month generosity initiative. In keeping with its key corporate priorities of building stronger families and communities, the credit union’s employees increased efforts to help people in need throughout the months of June through September.
The generosity initiative kicked off with a clothing drive to benefit foster youth who are aging out and need business attire for job interviews. The outfits donated were collected by staff members of David & Margaret Youth and Family Services, a nonprofit based in La Verne, CA.
“Most of the foster youth come to us in ripped-up jeans and t-shirts,” said program manager Marissa Scholefield. “They don’t even know what work-appropriate attire is. We notice an immediate change in the confidence they feel when they receive these clothes.”
After helping foster youth dress for success, ACCU staff responded to a request from The Shower of Hope for much-needed toiletries and other personal items. The nonprofit operates a mobile shower structure for homeless persons. “These amazing donations will be very welcomed by the folks we serve!” said Anne Ramirez, who stopped by ACCU’s Glendora headquarters to collect the items donated.
The summer-long generosity continued with more than 20 staff members donating blood on the Monday after the El Paso and Dayton mass shootings. Ruby, a loan servicing manager who participates in the American Red Cross blood drive every year, summed it up for her coworkers when she said, “It’s the least I can do to help save lives.”
ACCU employees are extremely generous with their time, often giving up precious weekend hours for volunteer service. Four staff members—Jessica, Priscilla, Rachel, and Sylvia—spent several hours at Foothill Community Church, Azusa, one Saturday in September, helping prepare, serve, and clean up after a lunch for people in need.
Jessica, a branch services representative, noted how the guests engaged in lively conversations at their tables. “It was beautiful to see the community that has been formed as a result of this weekly event,” she said.
ACCU’s summer of generosity concluded with two drives honoring veterans. Employees donated gowns, shoes, and other accessories to Armor of Light's annual gown giveaway, which outfits ladies attending the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Additionally, food items and gift cards were collected for members of the Veterans Success Center at Citrus College.
“I love being able to lend a hand to these Veterans,” says ACCU’s community engagement coordinator, Nikole. “They have fought so hard for our country, it is wonderful to be able to provide a such a small donation and know that it can go a long way.”
ACCU’s HR director Richard Mathews was proud to see credit union staff participating in the generosity initiative with such enthusiasm. “Working at ACCU is much more than a job and a paycheck,” said Mathews. “We are a mission-minded community partner, privileged to be able to live out the credit union’s mission by helping a wide array of deserving ministries and nonprofits, month in and month out.”