CU News & Event – November Edition

November 30, 2023 |

November was another busy month for our credit unions, who continued to get out and engage in their communities, showing love and support at the start of the season of giving. Our League offers a snapshot of what some of the credit unions were up to throughout the month.

  • Acadia FCU coordinated a cash calendar sale to raise money for the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Atlantic FCU was busy collecting applications for its Amable and Vivian Caron scholarship. A lucky recipient will win a $2,500 college scholarship from the credit union.
  • Employees at Bangor FCU had an opportunity to “dress down” to benefit Adoptive and Foster Families of Maine, Inc., and the Kinship Program’s annual Christmas fundraising drive.
  • Brewer FCU joined Z107.3 and Penquis at Hannaford’s Brewer location to collect turkeys to help families in need this holiday season.
  • To help protect members from falling victim to scams, Capital Area FCU shared helpful fraud tips on its Facebook page.
  • On November 18, Casco FCU held a food drive at Plummer’s Shop ‘n Save in Buxton to help stock the shelves at the Buxton Food Co-Op, Standish Food Pantry, and Gorham Food Pantry.
  • Central Maine FCU joined their fellow Lewiston-area credit union colleagues in promoting the Campaign for Ending Hunger ‘Feed the First’ fundraiser.
  • Changing Seasons FCU is collecting holiday toys to support the Toys for Tots program. Members can bring in a toy to their branch through December 15.
  • In its newsletter, Coast Line CU announced it will award up to four $1,000 scholarships: two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to qualified graduating high school seniors within its field of membership and two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to qualified full-time Business students at Southern Maine Community College. Visit their website for more details on how to apply.
  • Community CU’s Bria Duncan was recognized as one of Uplift LA’s Finest Under 40 recipients. Congratulations, Bria, on this notable honor!
  • Connected CU held a bake sale featuring delicious pies and goods to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • cPort CU welcomed Gina Pansire to their leadership team. In Gina’s new role, she’ll serve as the Director of Training and Development. Congratulations, Gina!
  • Cumberland County FCU announced the fundraising results of its Fifth Annual Bag Toss Tourney to benefit the Campaign for Ending Hunger. The credit union raised $8,854!
  • Dirigo FCU demonstrated it is Lewiston Strong, wearing blue solidarity shirts at its branches on November 9.
  • To celebrate the holiday season, Downeast CU participated at the Anah Shriners Feztival of Trees in Bangor and the Midcoast Tree Festival in Brunswick.
  • With fraud prevention top of mind, Eastmill FCU warned members about a text messaging scam on its Facebook page.
  • Congratulations to Cole from Evergreen CU for successfully participating in the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland’s Shelter Sleep-In. Cole’s efforts helped raise money for the shelter and its four-legged friends!
  • Five County CU joined credit union colleagues, Central Maine FCU, Community CU, Great Falls FCU, Lisbon Community FCU, and Sabattus Regional CU, in sponsoring “The House That Credit Unions Built” at the Kora Temple’s FEZtival of Trees in Lewiston.
  • In its newsletter, Franklin-Somerset FCU reminded members that they could enjoy a gift this holiday season by skipping either their November or December monthly payment.
  • Gardiner FCU supported the early preschool and preschool programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Kennebec Valley by generously donating puzzles for the students.
  • Great Falls FCU launched a new digital banking platform last month as part of the credit union’s commitment to provide members with innovative technology to help them manage their finances.
  • Katahdin FCU is working with the Northern Penobscot Chapter to prep for its upcoming Financial Fitness Fair at Stearns High School. Lincoln Maine FCU, Eastmill FCU, and The County FCU will also be in attendance.
  • Team members from KSW FCU spent the day helping at the Special Olympics Maine bowling competition at the Family Fun Bowling Center.
  • To help end hunger in Maine, KV FCU asked people to nominate a local organization that could benefit from a $5,000 donation to feed people in need. The credit union is accepting nominations until December 20.
  • Calling all podcast fans! Lincoln Maine FCU now has a podcast series on Spotify you can listen any time you’d like!
  • Lisbon Community FCU coordinated a cash calendar to help raise money for the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Maine Family FCU donated Boston Bruins hockey tickets to the Lewiston Strong Softball Tournament auction to support relief efforts in the community.
  • In their fall newsletter, Maine Highlands FCU celebrated employee work anniversaries for the quarter.
  • Maine Savings FCU participated in The Anah Shriners 12th Annual Feztival of Trees for the third year in a row, complete with a tree highlighting their love of crafting items and showing how the credit union sells crafted items to members throughout the year as part of a fundraiser for the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • On their blog, Maine Solutions FCU cautioned members to be aware of recent text scams, advising them to never click any links from unknown senders and to be wary of anyone contacting them about financial transactions that are not the credit union.
  • Maine State CU’s Rockland team showed love and support for their local fire department by stopping by ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday with a Hannaford gift card for those who would be working on the holiday.
  • Midcoast FCU supported Freeport Community Services by helping with their “Thanksgiving Meal Boxes” food drive for local families in advance of Thanksgiving. The credit union donated branded orange reusable bags for box transports.
  • New Dimensions FCU’s Thanksgiving Pie Sale raised $578 for Special Olympics Maine and the Campaign for Ending Hunger.
  • Northeast CU supported the 30th annual Families in Transition breakfast, the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser that raised critical funding for those trying to break and prevent the cycle of homelessness. The organization assists by providing food and shelter.
  • In an effort to help alleviate college expenses, NorState FCU advised high school seniors in Aroostook County who attended the Aroostook Chapter’s Financial Fitness Fair that they may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.
  • With the holiday season here, OTIS FCU warned members to be careful of holiday fraud and scams, especially with package deliveries and items ordered through the mail. Scammers often try to obtain personal information via text or email by saying they need to verify that information to complete a delivery.
  • Oxford FCU’s Norway team won third place for their “An OFCU Christmas Story” parade float.
  • Dustin Graham, Branch Manager & Loan Officer at Penobscot County FCU/The County FCU was honored with The Momentum Aroostook Achiever Award! The award recognizes some of the best rising professionals in the County. Congratulations on this great achievement, Dustin!
  • PeoplesChoice CU encouraged members to take advantage of their debit card Round-Up Program, which donates the difference to local food programs in York County, since more Mainers are struggling with rising grocery costs and cold temperatures.
  • The annual Christmas raffle to support the Campaign for Ending Hunger returned to Sabattus Regional CU, with tickets available to purchase only in the lobby. With more than 40 prizes donated by local businesses, it’s sure to be a success for all involved!
  • Saco Valley CU celebrated the grand reopening of their 500 Main Street branch in Saco with its new full-service lobby. Kelly from Coast 93.1 and Joe from 101.9 WPOR joined them for the fun.
  • Employees from Seaboard FCU came together and donated five full Thanksgiving baskets to local area families needing some assistance.
  • To celebrate their 70th anniversary, Sebasticook Valley FCU offered free food for lunch, giveaways, and a prize drawing for a $500 Visa gift card.
  • During November, Town & Country FCU teamed up with the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland to launch Novem-purr, a monthlong partnership with the goal of spotlighting the need for cat adoptions across their community. Throughout the month, the credit union featured a different cat available for adoption every Tuesday and Thursday highlighting them through its social media channels and donated $1,000 to the nonprofit in support of their work.
  • Trademark FCU collected donations at their South Portland branch for the 12th Annual South Portland Holiday Toy Drive. They also shared the GoFundMe link for online donations.
  • TruChoice FCU stopped by My Place Teen Center to drop off a donation of $1,000 as part of their Season of Giving. The Center is an after-school program for kids aged 10-18, offering comfort, meals, resources, and hope. The donation will help provide meals.
  • A team from University CU volunteered at the Scott Scripture Memorial Community Thanksgiving Dinner to prepare turkey and all the sides for nearly 200 senior citizens in the Orono area.
  • Winthrop Area FCU shared fraud prevention tips from Maine Credit Unions with members, noting the importance of reviewing these things frequently to ensure protection and safety.