Credit union raises over $7,000 for local charities

St. Helens Federal Community Credit Union (SHCU) of Oregon announced� that its employees helped raise more than $7,000 for local charities through its 2012 CU 4 A Cause campaign. The credit unions staff recently presented checks to the Amani Center, Columbia Pacific Food Bank, and American Cancer Societys Relay for Life Team (Columbia County). SHCU started CU 4 A Cause in 2011, as a way for employees to choose and actively support community-based charities. Every two years, employees will vote to select partner charities and commit to helping them raise money and volunteering as needed. SHCU members are also encouraged to participate in fundraising raffles, and the credit union provides an initial $500 grant to each charity. In 2011 and 2012, SHCU employees and members raised more than $13,000 for the partnering nonprofits. SHCU has expanded the number of charities to eight for the 2013-2014 campaign. "For 75 years, SHCU has been making a difference in the communities it serves," said President and CEO Brooke Van Vleet.� "We are fortunate to have a number of outstanding charities that care for those in need, and Im proud of the way our employees and members are stepping up to help these organizations continue their good work." The eight charities chosen by SHCU employees for 2013-2014 include:

• Amani Center
• CASA for Kids, Inc.
• Columbia Humane Society
• Community Action Team
• Columbia Pacific Food Bank
• KidCare Scappoose
• American Cancer Societys Relay for Life (Columbia County)
• Sacagawea Health Center

SHCU recently presented all eight charities with $500 checks to begin the two-year CU 4 A Cause partnership.