NILES, Mich. United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) contributed $4,100 to Niles Community Schools, Niles, Mich. for its 2013-14 calendar initiative. Funds were used to print and distribute the full-color wall calendar featuring important school news and district information.
Annually, UFCU provides support for the calendar distributed each August as a district-wide resource to 14,000 families. Students, parents, and teachers use the calendar to follow school activities, holiday and sports schedules, along with testing and staff enrichment dates.
"The calendars are an integral part of our communications," added Niles Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Richard Weigel. "Funds generously provided by our sponsors like UFCU pay for the printing and mailing expense."
With most school districts dealing with budget cuts and reduced financial aid, help for these types of programs is particularly essential.
UFCU supports the schools where all 22 of its branches are located. "As a community partner, supporting our schools is huge for everyone," elaborated UFCU Niles North and South Branch Manager Lorie Hayden. "We have tremendous respect for our schools, and want to do everything we can to see our kids succeed."
Ties with the district began when the credit union first opened a Niles office. Today, UFCU Niles North and South Branches serve more than 6,900 Members in the greater Berrien County area. Children of Members also benefit from the collaboration between UFCU and their school district.
Hayden said that UFCU is excited to see the partnership with the schools continue. "It gives us the opportunity to give back to our community and directly impact the families we serve."
UFCU encourages school involvement in a number of other ways. "Were fortunate to have an employer who gives us paid time-off to volunteer," explained Hayden. Staff teach in the classrooms and volunteer for Junior Achievement. "Weve been a part of events like the United Day of Reading and Girls on the Run. Employees also serve as mentors in their own childrens classrooms."
UFCUs Hayden presented a check for $4,100 to Niles Community Schools. Hayden, who has been with UFCU for 12 years, has seen the youth she opened accounts for graduate and move on in life. "Now, instead of helping them count change, Im assisting with their first car loan or credit card."
Serving its youth has always been at the forefront for UFCU. Hayden concluded, "Were here for the kids, their families, and all of the teachers and staff at Niles Community Schools."
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About UFCU
United Federal Credit Union has served its Members since 1949 by helping them to build a sound financial future. UFCU consists of more than 120,000 Member/owners worldwide, and manages assets in excess of $1.57 billion. Its corporate offices and main branch are located in St. Joseph, Mich., with additional branches in Arkansas, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, and Ohio. UFCU has been named the
Michigan Credit Union League Outstanding Credit Union of the Year 2013. UFCU has also been named
the National Federal Credit Union of the Year 2013 by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
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