CU News & Events – December Edition

January 5, 2022 |

Our credit unions made every effort to spread a splash of holiday magic within their communities in December. From fighting food insecurity to donating gifts, giving was at the heart of it all. Here are a few ways our credit unions chose to brighten the season for those around them last month:

  • Acadia FCU sold daily cash calendar tickets to raise money for the Campaign for Ending Hunger. Tickets were open to the public and prizes were drawn daily.
  • Atlantic FCU held a holiday raffle to support the Campaign for Ending Hunger and raised over $35,000.
  • To spread holiday cheer, Bangor FCU engaged their members on social media by sharing photos from their Ugly Sweater Day. They also asked members to share their own photos and goals in the comments.
  • Brewer FCU’s lobbies housed giving trees, which allowed their members to grab a tag, shop for an item, and return it to the credit union to get their presents donated to a family in need in time for Christmas.
  • Capital Area FCU shared ample financial resources on social media to help their members plan for and deal with change.
  • Casco FCU’s Holiday Helpers event raised over $1,700! The proceeds were used to purchase items and gift cards for seniors in their community.
  • A pet supply drive was held at Changing Seasons FCU during the month of December. All donations were given to the Old Town Animal Orphanage.
  • In Coastline CU’s Winter 2022 newsletter, the credit union included a helpful article that explains how you can teach your child about saving money.
  • Community CU spread joy in their local communities all month by prepaying for coffee orders, donating gifts to the Stuff the Bus program, and more.
  • On December 15, Connected CU partnered with 107.9 The Mix and a local Subway to deliver gift bags and sandwiches to the Augusta Teen Center.
  • Generous contributions were made by cPort CU employees to Project G.R.A.C.E., a family in the Augusta school system, Greater Portland Family Promise, and the homeless community in the city of Portland.
  • Cumberland County FCU raised over $1,600 with their annual giving tree. They collected both monetary donations and nonperishable food items for food pantries in the area.
  • Dirigo FCU spread some holiday cheer with their 2nd Annual Gingerbread House Competition where employees created confectionary masterpieces. Final photos were shared on social media for followers to “like” and vote for their favorite. The Mechanic Falls branch took home the win. Congratulations!
  • Downeast CU braved the cold, windy weather on December 3 in the Lioness Christmas Parade in Calais with the theme of “Going Gnome for the Holidays.”
  • Evergreen CU partnered with Slugger from the Portland Sea Dogs on December 4 at their Portland and South Portland branches to raise money for the Campaign for Ending Hunger. Those who made a $10 donation received a free Sea Dogs baseball. $592 was raised in just a couple of hours!
  • Five County CU partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to collect new and unwrapped toys for those in need this holiday season. Cash donations also were collected.
  • Gardiner FCU held a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Members and employees of Infinity CU fulfilled every need from their giving trees, making the holiday season brighter for their neighbors.
  • Employees of KSW FCU delivered packages from their donation drive to Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.
  • KV FCU announced the 31 lucky winners from their December cash calendar fundraiser.
  • It’s official! Lincoln Maine FCU shared news that their members approved the proposed merger with Eastmill FCU.
  • Merry Belle, Lisbon Community FCU’s Elf on a Shelf, hosted riddles and games throughout the month on social media, providing members a chance of winning one of two $50 Visa gift cards.
  • Maine Savings FCU’s Vassalboro branch teamed up to collect gloves, cereal bars, Chapstick, and a Dunkin Donuts gift card to distribute at the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter.
  • Maine State CU sold their 12 Days of Christmas raffle tickets for $10 each. Proceeds were donated to the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Lisa from Midcoast FCU’s Card Operations Department volunteered with Ms. Baker’s pre-k class at Durham Community School, helping the kids make gingerbread decorations out of milk cartons, graham crackers, icing, and candy.
  • Milestones FCU announced that high school seniors can now apply for their $1,000 college scholarship. Applications are due by March 11.
  • During the month of December, Monmouth FCU provided their youth members with a chance to win a gift basket with a holiday movie, popcorn, a gingerbread house kit, a bath bomb, and a toy. A winner was chosen after Christmas.
  • New Dimensions FCU promoted the Maine Credit Unions’ Holiday Meals for Mainers initiative on social media, encouraging members to donate to this important effort.
  • As part of their continued effort to end hunger in Maine, NorState FCU collected nonperishable food items for the Hope for the Holidays food drive.
  • Each Northeast CU branch held a charity drive for their local communities, collecting an overwhelming number of items to give back to those in need.
  • OTIS FCU picked cash calendar winners throughout December and raised over $400 to end hunger in Maine.
  • Oxford FCU made their Campaign for Ending Hunger donations to River Valley Health Communities Coalition (RVHCC) and Old School Food Pantry and provided 750 reusable shopping bags. RVHCC plans to fill the bags with food during upcoming school vacations and will use them at the food pantry.
  • Penobscot County FCU wished 18-year employee Candy Jipson a happy retirement on December 15. Congratulations, Candy, and thank you for your years of service to the credit union and its members!
  • PeoplesChoice CU gave its employees $50 each to experience the gift of giving. Staff could choose how and where to give their money within the community. Recipients included displaced Afghan families, Firefighters for Kids, assisted living communities, domestic abuse survivors, the Sanford Food Pantry, and No Bowl Empty Pet Food Pantry.
  • Sabattus Regional CU raised nearly $1,300 through their recent raffle ticket sales to help end hunger in Maine.
  • Saco Valley CU continued their employee spotlight by featuring Member Service Representative Andrea on social media to introduce her to the community.
  • Sebasticook Valley FCU thanked those who participated in their holiday cash calendar. Their efforts supported local food pantries and organizations to aid in the fight against food insecurity.
  • Employees of The County FCU represented the credit union at the Presque Isle Light Parade, engaging with the community during this season of celebration.
  • Food brings people together, so Town & Country FCU partnered with Plate the State award-winning chef Josh Berry to bring the 12 Days of Recipes. Each day, a winner was randomly chosen to win a $25 gift card to Rosemont Market and Bakery to buy the ingredients for that day’s recipe.
  • Trademark FCU paid it forward at the South Portland Cape Elizabeth Rotary Annual Christmas Tree Sale by purchasing Christmas trees for residents.
  • A $1,500 check was dropped off at The Opportunity Alliance by TruChoice FCU to support the Alliance’s effort to keep Mainers warm this cold winter season.
  • University CU continued to promote its Campaign for Ending Hunger fundraising drive. The credit union announced it would match up to $25,000 in donations during the months of November and December.
  • Winthrop Area FCU celebrated the holiday season with their Polar Express themed float in a parade.