Peach State FCU Celebrates 60 Years with $360K in Donations!

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA (October 21, 2021) – The credit union founded by Gwinnett County educators in 1961 is celebrating their 60th anniversary with donations throughout their service area.

In October 1961, which also happens to be International Credit Union month, a group of friends—James Shewmake, Irving Levy, Adrin Staton, Lyle Coker, B.B. Harris, Crawford Puckett, and Henry Boddie – met at Mr. Shewmake's house to establish the credit union. The Gwinnett Teachers Federal Credit Union that was founded at Mr. Shewmake’s kitchen table has expanded to become Peach State Federal Credit Union which now serves more than 72,000 members throughout Georgia and South Carolina.

“Since the charter was signed on October 31st, 1961, we’ve grown from a cardboard box in the back of a station wagon to one of the largest credit unions in Georgia,” remarked Peach State President/CEO, Marshall Boutwell.

To celebrate the milestone and honor the founders, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation has pledged $360,000 in donations to show support for the individuals and communities they serve:

• In recognition of the credit union’s roots in education, donations were committed to the support of teachers and students:

  • Chattooga County Schools

  • Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation

  • Paine College

  • Trion City Schools

  • Walker County Schools

• Organizations that support their communities and their residents also received pledges:

  • Tim Lee Boys & Girls Club

  • Walton County YMCA Initiative 

• A donation was also made to the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) to support the global credit union movement.

In March 2021, the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation was established with a goal of helping their neighbors with contributions throughout the credit union’s service area. The C.A.R.E.S. Foundation is supported by Peach State’s C.A.R.E.S. VISA® Debit Card program as well as contributions from outside donors. For every purchase made with a Peach State VISA® Debit Card, Peach State will donate a nickel to the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, which supports non-profits, school systems, and the arts in the communities within our footprint.1

About Peach State Federal Credit Union

Peach State is a $752 million credit union that serves more than 72,000 members in Georgia and South Carolina. Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Peach State’s mission is to provide quality financial services that meet the needs and exceed the expectations of its member-owners. For more information about our products and services, visit www.peachstatefcu.org. The credit union’s passion for helping their members and community continue to grow guided them to create the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation. To learn more about how Peach State cares, visit https://www.peachstatefcu.org/Stories/Peach-State-CARES.