CUs grow and do good in the community

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions’ news about their growth, expansion, and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

TTCU exceeds $2 million in School Pride donations

The second-largest credit union in Oklahoma, TTCU, has surpassed the $2 million mark in total School Pride® donations since the start of the program. During August, $2.6 billion credit union donated $160,250 to Oklahoma schools through the program, with $23,000 going to Tulsa Public Schools.

“TTCU was founded on a need to serve Oklahoma teachers,” said TTCU President/CEO Tim Lyons. “We are always pursuing ways to honor the principle that this financial institution was built upon.”

The Tulsa Public School district isn’t the only one benefiting from School Pride donations. Broken Arrow received $18,500, while Union Public Schools received $8,000, Owasso Public Schools received $10,500, and Jenks Public Schools received $7,500.

In 2007, TTCU created the School Pride Program to give back to local schools. TTCU members select from among over 60 card designs honoring area schools, and every time they use their debit card, TTCU makes a financial donation to the school.

A TTCU checking account with a School Pride debit card can be opened online or at any branch. The credit union serves more than 145,000 members who are educationally affiliated, including students and their families, and hundreds of Select Employee Groups in Northeast Oklahoma.

Shell FCU and Furthering Community Unity collaborate on social responsibility projects and volunteerism

The 14th annual Supplies for Students Fundraiser wrapped up on a high note, thanks to the incredible teamwork of Furthering Community Unity (FCU) in collaboration with Shell Federal Credit Union. Together, the group gathered and purchased a heartwarming total of 2,146 much-needed school supplies. The credit union’s success was due to the support of Shell FCU members and employees, along with the local community.

During April, the FCU team joined forces with an outstanding group of schools for the annual “Everyone’s Gotta Eat” food drive. Partners included San Jacinto Elementary, Fairmont Elementary, Rizzuto Elementary, La Porte Elementary, Landolt Elementary, Mae Smythe Elementary, North Shore Elementary, and Lakeland Elementary. This initiative served as a unifying force, rallying unwavering support for nearby food banks and shelters via the collection of essential nonperishable food items.

Shell FCU said that as an expression of its gratitude for the invaluable support, the participating schools will be recipients of the school supplies. This act reflects the credit union’s deep-rooted belief in the power of collaboration and community.

Driven by its commitment to community engagement and fostering collective prosperity, the credit union has said “a thriving community hinges upon the active participation of its local citizens, businesses, and employees. A cornerstone of this belief rests in the cultivation of a culture of volunteerism, which Shell FCU deems an essential component for leading a fulfilling, gratifying, and successful life.”

The inception of the FCU team, powered by Shell FCU in 2008, underscores this commitment, aiming to offer avenues for giving back to our communities and imparting the significance of social responsibility.

For those excited about diving into the world of volunteerism, learn more at www.govolunteertoday.org.

Together Foundation Community Scholarship Program names recipients

Saint Louis-based Together Foundation, in conjunction with Together Credit Union, is awarding five scholarships to deserving college-bound seniors through its Together Foundation Community Scholarship Program. This announcement is in addition to the 14 scholarships awarded earlier this month through the credit union’s Vince Jacknewitz Scholarship Program.

“We are honored to support these hardworking and talented students as they embrace new opportunities to learn and grow,” said Claire Trunko, chief people and strategy officer. 

The following recipients will each receive a $1,500 college scholarship to help offset the costs associated with post-secondary education expenses for the upcoming 2023–2024 school year:

• Emily S., Indiana University Bloomington
• Hannah V., Lindenwood University
• Jocelyn M., Miami University
• Kourtney Jean P., Spelman College
• Luke Michael F., University of Missouri – St. Louis Succeed Program
  

The Together Foundation Community Scholarship Program launched in 2020 to fulfill the need for more community-based scholarships in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area.  In total, 19 scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception. 

The Together Foundation Community Scholarship program is open to prospective and current collegians, ages 15 to 23, who live or work in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson County, Mo., as well as Madison County and St. Clair County, Ill. As part of the application process, applicants submitted an information packet, which included a record of academic achievements, letters of recommendation, a list of scholastic and community activities, and a written or video essay.

The application portals for the 2024 Together Foundation Community Scholarship Program and the Vince Jacknewitz Scholarship Program will open February 2024.