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UCU’s Day of Service volunteers.
In recognition of National Volunteer Week, University CU (UCU) demonstrated its commitment to community impact by hosting a large-scale meal packing event on Patriots’ Day in partnership with End Hunger New England at the Augusta Civic Center.
Employees and volunteers came together for their fourth annual Here for U Day of Service to pack 41,256 meals, resulting in 191 boxes that will be distributed to 15 food pantries across Maine. The effort will help provide reliable, shelf-stable meals to families facing food insecurity in communities statewide.
“Our Here for U Day of Service is one of the most meaningful days of the year for us,” said Renee Ouellette, President & CEO of UCU. “There’s something powerful about bringing our entire team together and working side-by-side on an effort like this and seeing, in real time, how that work supports Mainers across our state.”
The event reflects a core principle that guides UCU’s work every day: strengthening communities one connection at a time. Through both its financial services and community outreach, UCU advances its purpose statement, “Here for U – Dedicated to promote financial well-being for you and your community.” That commitment was on full display through the collective effort of staff and volunteers working side by side to support Maine families.
The timing of the initiative during National Volunteer Week highlights the essential role volunteers play across the credit union movement. From volunteer boards to hands-on service projects led by employees like this one, volunteerism remains a defining strength and a key driver of local impact.
The event generated strong media coverage, highlighting both the scale of the effort and the continued leadership of credit unions in addressing food insecurity in Maine:
- WABI: https://www.wabi.tv/2026/04/20/maine-company-packs-over-40000-meals-state-pantries/
- WGME: https://wgme.com/news/local/university-credit-union-employees-put-together-thousands-of-meals-to-fight-hunger-maine-augusta-civic-center
This event demonstrates what is possible when purpose and volunteerism come together. It stands as a strong example of how credit unions continue to make a difference by building stronger, healthier communities across Maine.
