Zeal Credit Union Delivers 80 Backpacks with School Supplies for Homeless Children

Livonia, MI (Aug. 27, 2018) – As students head back to school, Zeal Credit Union set a goal to collect 75 backpacks stuffed with grade-specific supplies to support Volunteers of America Michigan’s Operation Backpack program.

“Sticking true to our pillars as a credit union that lives with character, feels with empathy, and acts with passion, we wanted to ensure homeless and at-risk children in Michigan enjoy a great start to the school year,” said Tiffany Sweet, youth and community development coordinator for Zeal Credit Union. “Thanks to generous members, staff and community partners, we exceeded our goal.”

Sweet and marketing team members delivered 80 fully stuffed backpacks, each containing 20 to more than 40 items depending on grade level. The backpacks are being distributed through the local interdisciplinary school district’s homeless student programs. 

Among the school supplies included were binders, notebooks, crayons, pencils, markers, staplers, crayons, calculators, USB flash drives, tissues, hand sanitizers and more. Along with the fully stuffed backpacks, the credit union delivered three unstuffed backpacks and dozens of miscellaneous supplies.

Sweet recognized community partners for their generous monetary donations that allowed Zeal to exceed its goal. They included Westland Shopping Center, CUNA Mutual, American Speedy Printing in Livonia, and Team Facilities, Inc.

Accepting the donations on behalf of the Volunteers of America Michigan, Laura LeBlanc said, “We are so grateful for Zeal Credit Union and the community members that helped make their drive a success. Operation Backpack works to help alleviate the extra burden that homeless students carry. They already have to worry about where they might sleep tonight or when they will find their next meal. Our goal is to make sure that their circumstances won’t follow into the classroom and their ability to succeed. Because of Zeal’s donation, over 80 students will be able to be able to walk into school prepared on day one and that is simply inspiring.”

Zeal Credit Union is a full-service, non-profit financial institution with more than 61,000 members, assets exceeding $570 million and 13 full-service branch offices in metro Detroit. Members also have access to more than 5,000 shared branches and nearly 30,000 ATMs nationwide. Member deposits are insured to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. government agency. For more information about Zeal Credit Union, visit the credit union website www.ZealCreditUnion.org or call 800-321-8570.

Volunteers of America Michigan, www.voami.org, is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Operating continuously in Michigan since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered the most vulnerable in the community.

(Photo courtesy of Zeal Credit Union)

Photo Caption: Preparing to deliver 80 fully stuffed backpacks and school supplies to Volunteers of America are Zeal Credit Union team members, from left, Tiffany Sweet, Olivia Snyder and Mariah Brown.