League of Southeastern Credit Unions Partners with Purple Heart Homes for Veterans

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LCSU) has partnered with Purple Heart Homes, a national public charity that provides living solutions for disabled American Veterans. The announcement comes as Purple Heart Homes kicks off its inaugural campaign, Operation Veteran Home Renovation, to engage and recruit the credit unions to help spruce up homes owned by older veterans. "We are pleased to lend our support to this worthy cause," said Patrick La Pine, president/CEO of the LSCU. "Our veterans have made great sacrifices for the freedom of our country and its citizens and should be honored for their service. Credit unions can work on projects of any size to help our veterans. It"s an operation that truly makes a difference." The Cornerstone Credit Union League and Georgia Credit Union Affiliates have also partnered with Purple Heart Homes. Credit unions participating in Operation Veteran Home Renovation will identify an older veteran whose homes need a ramp, grab bars, railings, a yard clean-up, or a fresh coat of paint. Credit unions will raise the funds for the projects, most of which can be completed by credit union staff and community volunteers in a day or two. The average cost of a project is $5,000. John Gallina, co-founder and executive director of Purple Heart Homes was wounded in combat in Iraq and received a Purple Heart. Purple Heart Homes is working with the National Association of Home Builders to provide member building contractors who will volunteer their time to serve as "team captains" to help facilitate each veteran project working directly with participating credit unions.