Credit Union Donates $10,000 to Children's Hospital

Jackson, MS – Jackson Area Federal Credit Union , Jackson, Miss., has been recognized as the top 2012 Credit Unions for Kids™ fundraiser in Mississippi.  The credit union’s $10,000 donation will benefit Mississippi’s only children’s hospital, the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital located in Jackson.

Credit Unions for Kids™ (CU4Kids) is the program name under which credit unions raise money to benefit the children’s hospitals in the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN).  For the 2012 fundraising year, the Batson Hospital received donations totaling more than $28,000 from Mississippi credit unions supporting the CU4Kids program. Jackson Area FCU raised their contribution in variety of ways, including a barbecue plate fundraiser, a silent auction of designer handbags, candy sales, and participating in national CU4Kids fundraising campaigns.  However, some of the credit union’s most successful fundraisers are of the “every day” sort, where small donations over time add up to a big impact. “We have a ‘Change a Child’s Life’ change collection canister at every teller window and in all offices,” explained Hailey Tucker, Jackson Area FCU Vice President of Marketing.  “Our membership is so giving, when they cash a check, if there is change, it goes straight into the canister every time.” In addition, the credit union has a “mini-store” with snacks, beverages, and microwavable food items that staff and members can purchase, with all proceeds benefiting CU4Kids.  The credit union doesn’t even let the trash go to waste, recycling the beverage cans and giving that money to CU4Kids as well. “Local is #1 for us,” said Tucker. “Some of our employee’s children have been treated at the Batson, so of course our hearts are in it.  We have 100% employee participation in a payroll deduction program where a small contribution is taken from every paycheck.  Our staff is on the same page in support of Credit Unions for Kids, and our member’s generosity helps us do even more.” Mississippi credit unions have contributed more than $400,000 to the CMN hospitals serving Mississippi’s children since joining the Credit Unions for Kids program in 1999.  Nationwide, credit unions have contributed more than $110 million to CMN.