CU News and Events – November Edition

December 1, 2022 |

The season of giving is upon us, and credit unions found numerous ways to give back to their communities. From efforts to support Special Olympics Maine and the Campaign for Ending Hunger to gift drives and Thanksgiving fun, People Helping People remained at the focus of what Maine credit unions do. Here is a snapshot of what some of our credit unions were up to in November.

  • In advance of Thanksgiving, a team from Acadia FCU’s Bangor branches volunteered to help prepare meals at the Bangor Salvation Army/Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen.
  • Atlantic FCU showed its appreciation for those who protect and serve our communities by delivering pies to local fire and police departments.
  • Bangor FCU encouraged members to donate to the Maine Credit Union League’s Holiday Meals for Mainers initiative. For donations of $5, $10, or $15, donors could receive Bangor Federal-branded goodies.
  • On November 15, Brewer FCU helped Z107.3 “Free the Z” at the Brewer Hannaford, collecting turkeys from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
  • Saturday, November 19, brought Capital Area FCU’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair. The fair featured handmade goods from local crafters and some of the event’s proceeds benefited Special Olympics Maine.
  • Casco FCU delivered trunk loads of food to the Buxton, Gorham, and Standish food pantries, helping to ensure those in need have a meal this holiday season.
  • Central Maine FCU, in collaboration with Community CU, Five County CU, Great Falls FCU, Lisbon Community FCU, and Sabattus Regional CU, assisted in creating the CU Adventure Tree for display and raffle at the Feztival of Treez, Kora Temple. The CU Adventure Tree’s theme was Catch the CU Wave, complete with surfboards, credit union swag, and other outdoor gear.
  • Changing Seasons FCU began collecting donations for Toys for Tots.
  • Congratulations to Community CU’s Andrew Lunn. He was one of nine young professionals who received a “Best of” award from Uplift L.A. in the category of financial services.
  • The Winslow branch of Connected CU started collecting donations for American Legion post #126’s Christmas Stockings for Veterans! This drive aims to fill 200 stockings with personal care products for veterans.
  • cPort CU shared key fraud prevention tips on social media to update members on the best ways to keep personal information safe.
  • Cumberland County FCU’s 2nd Annual Giving Tree Fundraiser kicked off! Donated funds will be divided between the following local food pantries: Falmouth Food Pantry, Gray Community Food Pantry, Preble Street, Westbrook Food Pantry and Resource Center, Town of Windham Clothes Closet/Food Pantry, and Yarmouth – Maine Community Food Pantry. Non-perishable food items are also being accepted.
  • On Small Business Saturday, Dirigo FCU encouraged their members to shop small.
  • Richmond and Topsham branches of Downeast CU worked with Downeast Insurance to participate in the Midcoast Tree Festival. They created a home improvement tree valued at over $2,770.
  • Eastmill FCU invited members to the main office on November 9 to wish former President/CEO Dan Byron a happy retirement and welcome the new President/CEO, Derek Hebert.
  • Evergreen CU attended the Maine Celtics home opener on November 4. The credit union is one of the team’s partner companies.
  • Five County CU was recognized by Jack Henry™ as one of 2022’s Best Credit Unions to Work For. Congratulations on this special recognition!
  • With food donated by members, Gardiner FCU donated two Thanksgiving baskets to Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation in Farmingdale and food to Gardiner Area High School Tiger Food Pantry.
  • Great Falls FCU posted an article from the FBI warning of holiday scams, knowing many members utilize online shopping for holiday purchases.
  • On November 1, Infinity CU launched a new mobile app experience for their members.
  • Katahdin FCU partnered with Brookfield Renewable Energy to “Keep the Katahdin Area Warm.” The credit union’s partnership will continue through December as they collect hats, mittens, and scarves. Brookfield Renewable Energy also donated coats to area school children.
  • KSW FCU put up a giving holiday tree with tags for members to take to support families working with the Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderers.
  • To get into the holiday spirit, KV FCU helped set up The Festival of Trees in Waterville and the River of Trees in Augusta.
  • Lincoln Maine FCU brought Penny the Elf back to social media for another fun holiday season.
  • Lisbon Community FCU drew cash calendar winners throughout the month.
  • On Facebook, Maine Family FCU shared information with members on how to get tickets to the Kora Shrine’s Feztival of Treez. The credit union has taken part in this special community event for several years.
  • The Vassalboro branch of Maine Savings FCU sold holiday crafts. All proceeds were directed to the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • On November 30, Maine State CU opened their new branch in Gray. Welcome to the community!
  • William Hinko, a member of Midcoast FCU’s Board of Directors, was recognized as the 2022 Bernard A. Wyman Jr. Volunteer of the Year for his dedication and service to the Board. Congratulations, William!
  • In their newsletter, Milestones FCU urged their members to plan for their futures by organizing, reviewing, and updating their accounts with both financial and health institutions.
  • New Dimensions FCU held a pie sale ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Funds were distributed to Special Olympics Maine and the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • NorState FCU is collecting non-perishable donations as part of its Hope for the Holidays Food Drive. Donated items can be delivered to NorState’s branches through December 31.
  • In honor of Giving Tuesday, Northeast CU made a $1,000 donation to Gather, Southeast NH Habitat for Humanity, and The Mayhew Program.
  • OTIS FCU announced its sponsorship of the upcoming Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce Olde Fashioned Christmas Festival at Boothby’s Orchard and Farm. Cookies and hot cocoa will be available for donations, with all proceeds going back to the local community.
  • On Giving Tuesday, Oxford FCU’s marketing team pledged to match every $5 donation made by members to the Campaign for Ending Hunger before midnight!
  • PeoplesChoice CU announced its Annual Meeting will take place on December 4 and is encouraging their members to attend.
  • Sabattus Regional CU is conducting a fundraiser to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • The Christmas is for Kids campaign returned to Seaboard FCU. Members can shop Seaboard FCU’s Amazon wish list to support the children of Bucksport, Orland, and Verona Island.
  • The County FCU’s Misty Blair, Patricia O’Leary, and Jamey Hatley graduated from the Maine Credit Union League’s Certified Teller program. Congratulations!
  • Town & Country FCU and its staff participated in Giving Tuesday on November 29. Together, 31 employees contributed more than $3,000 to 32 different non-profit organizations and causes that are important to them.
  • Trademark FCU announced it will be sponsoring the SoPo Hoops, a 5th grade basketball team.
  • In November, TruChoice FCU held a food drive. Donation boxes were in all branch lobbies to combat food insecurity in Maine.
  • Carrie Gray, a Senior Collections Specialist from University CU, volunteered for the fifth year to complete the Thanksgiving Challenge with friends. This challenge aims to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in need in the community. This year, they delivered 244 meals throughout local schools in Milo, Bangor, Bucksport, Eddington, Holbrook, and Holden.
  • Winthrop Area FCU is conducting a fundraiser to benefit the Winthrop Community Fund.