Genisys Credit Union Employee Food Drive Helps Fight Hunger in Community

Pontiac, Mich. August 30, 2016 - Lighthouse of Oakland County is currently experiencing one of the largest increases in demand for food they've seen during the summer months and Genisys Credit Union is determined to help. "We experienced a 44% increase in the number of children served by the food pantry from May to June, and that increase held steady in July," said Lighthouse CEO Rick David. "During the 20152016 fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, the Lighthouse Food Pantry served 16,576 individuals, 40% of them being children," he said. As September is "Hunger Awareness Month," Genisys Credit Union is taking the lead on helping by organizing an employee food drive from their 16 locations throughout Oakland County. President/CEO Jackie Buchanan, a Lighthouse Trustee said, "Genisys puts a major emphasis on community involvement through our 'Making a Difference' campaigns, and Lighthouse is an organization whose work we hold in high regard. I challenge other organizations to organize food drives to help address hunger in our community." Donations are critical to the Lighthouse Food Pantry the only food pantry open five days per week in Oakland County. "This increase validates the research that approximately 300,000 children in Southeast Michigan receive free and reduced-price lunches at school. We help replace both lunch and often breakfast for these children and their families during the summer months," said Wilma Abney, Chief Program Officer. Without access to adequate food and nutrition during the summer months and beyond, the educational and developmental impact to children and families is well documented. Lighthouse is asking for the community's help in meeting this increase in demand for food. Perishable and nonperishable items are needed. Among the items are peanut butter & jelly, tuna, soups, cereals, baby food & formula, milk, vegetables, fruits, canned fruits & vegetables, rice, canned beans, diapers, toilet paper, paper towel, shampoo & conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, dish detergent and soaps. �About Genisys Credit Union: Genisys Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution that has been committed to helping its members financially since 1936. Based out of Auburn Hills, MI, Genisys is one of the largest credit unions in Michigan, with approximately 180,000 members and 28 branch locations. They also provide business loans and a range of services for small to mid-sized businesses. Genisys Credit Union has consistently received a 5-star Bauer Financial Rating for safety and soundness and is proud to be making a difference in their communities. Connect with Genisys on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram by following @genisyscu. For convenient access to your Genisys account, download the Genisys iPhone App in the iTunes Store and Android App in the Google Play Store. For more information or a calendar of events, visit Genisys online at www.genisyscu.org. About Lighthouse of Oakland County: Since 1972, Lighthouse of Oakland County has been a cornerstone of Southeast Michigan helping individuals and families move from crisis towards self-sufficiency from its headquarters on Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. Programs and services include Oakland County's only five day per week food pantry; workforce development and financial education; life-skill building, job search and networking; senior services; and affordable housing programs including the two-year transitional housing for homeless women and children; and other programs to prevent homelessness and build responsible home ownership.