The number of Louisiana credit union employees affected by statewide flooding has reached roughly 300, and the generosity of the credit union movement is matching the pace of the need.
Now being called the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy four years ago, eight days of storms inundated Louisiana with 7 trillion gallons of water.
The National Credit Union Foundation reported that donations to CUAid.coop nearly doubled--to more than $106,000--over the course of last week.
"Its remarkable that the credit union community heard the renewed call for help, and weve now doubled the amount of funds to support those credit union people in need," said Christopher Morris, Foundation communications director.
Among the donations to CUAid was $10,000 from Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia, and $10,000 from Los Angeles FCU.
Other credit unions stepped up to take part in "Louisiana CU Strong Challenge" from the Louisiana Credit Union League. In addition to encouraging donations, the campaign challenged participants to do 20 pushups or jumping jacks representing the number of affected branches.
#LACUStrong has gone beyond the states borders: Members Exchange CU, Ridgeland, Miss., challenged all the states credit unions to join; DIRECT FCU, Needham, Mass., submitted a video; and PSCU donated $5,000.
"Louisianians are extremely resilient and will overcome this tragic event," said Lacy Hyer, league vice president of communications and public relations. "However, the need for assistance is greater than ever before. The outpouring of support from our credit union family has touched the hearts of all those affected, and they are very grateful."
Funds from the challenge will be deposited into the Louisiana Credit Union Foundation designated fund and distributed directly to affected credit union employees.
