Around the Region, CUs Make a Difference

Cornerstone League recognizes member credit unions for their growth and community endeavors to exemplify the “people helping people” philosophy.

True Sky CEO Talks About the CU Difference with NBC Affiliate

Sean Cahill, president and CEO of True Sky Federal Credit Union in Oklahoma City, recently appeared on KFOR, Oklahoma City's NBC affiliate, to discuss what sets credit unions apart from traditional banks.

In the interview, Cahill highlighted several key differences that make credit unions like True Sky unique. Unlike banks, which are typically for-profit institutions owned by shareholders, credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by their members. “Our mission is to serve our members, not to generate profits for investors,” Cahill said. “That means better rates, lower fees, and a focus on personal service.”

Cahill also emphasized the community-oriented nature of credit unions. True Sky, which has served the Oklahoma City metro area for over 75 years, reinvests in the local community through financial education initiatives, charitable giving, and support for small businesses.

He noted that many consumers are surprised to learn how broad a range of services credit unions offer. “From mortgages and auto loans to mobile banking and investment services, we provide the same products you’d expect from a big bank,” Cahill explained, “but with a people-first approach.”

The segment aimed to educate viewers on why more Oklahomans are choosing credit unions over traditional banks, especially during times of economic uncertainty.

Watch the interview.

Texas Trust Gives Foundation, Employees Donate $315,000 in 2024

Texas Trust Gives Foundation, the charitable arm of Texas Trust Credit Union, boosted its giving in North Texas in 2024 to more than $315,000, an 18% increase over the total giving of $267,000 in 2023.

The foundation detailed its activities in its 2024 annual report, noting that since it launched in 2020, well over $800,000 has been awarded to local school districts and beneficial community projects.

“Our foundation is growing and so is our giving,” said Washima Huq, executive director of the Texas Trust Gives Foundation. “In 2024, we created a new community impact grant to help with needs outside of the classroom. That includes school supplies, uniforms, and shoes for students in underserved communities, in addition to year-round support of food pantries and care closets offered by some of our school districts.”

In 2024, the foundation awarded more than $193,000 in grants, a 24% increase over the amount awarded in 2023. The source of these grants is revenue from debit card swipes by cardholding members, with one cent set aside for each swipe. As those funds build up, the foundation has the money to award grants to local school districts.

Thanks to the generosity of Texas Trust employees, additional donations amounted to more than $52,000 in 2024, a 44% increase over the $36,000 given in 2023. The number of employees who donate nearly doubled in 2024, Huq noted. Texas Trust employees also volunteered 1,700 hours of their own time for charitable purposes in 2024, participating in 46 events. That is more than double the number of hours in 2023.

Major beneficiaries of the employee giving and volunteerism were Mission Arlington, Toys for Tots, Santa’s Helpers, Salvation Army, Rust Street Ministries, and Taste Project. In addition, the foundation awarded $70,000 in college scholarships for students attending colleges, universities, and certification schools in the area Texas Trust serves.

“We are elated that this foundation has been able to invest more than $800,000 in our communities to build brighter financial futures, and we are committed to expanding our giving to touch more hearts and change more lives in 2025,” Huq said.

Western Sun FCU Breaks Ground on Branch in Tulsa

Western Sun Federal Credit Union recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its newest branch on Route 66 in Tulsa. The state-of-the-art facility will utilize ITMs and have a two-lane drive-thru. Construction will begin in a few weeks with a scheduled completion date in spring of 2026.

Western Sun is a community-chartered credit union serving over 25,000 in the Tulsa MSA. Organized in 1940, Western Sun has six Tulsa area locations and over $195 million in assets.

Shell FCU Runs ‘Everyone’s Gotta Eat’ Food Drive Supporting Families and Pets

Shell Federal Credit Union recently kicked off its annual Everyone’s Gotta Eat food drive, a heartfelt initiative organized by the Furthering Community Unity (FCU) team powered by Shell FCU, to support individuals—and their furry companions—by collecting essential items for local food pantries and animal shelters.

The red FCU team collection barrels are in the lobbies of all Shell FCU branches, where donations of non-perishable food items, pet food, and everyday necessities are being accepted. The drive takes place through May 3, giving members, employees, and the community time to contribute.

This year, the FCU Team expanded the effort by partnering with six local schools: La Porte Elementary, Mae Smythe Elementary, Bailey Elementary, Bobby Shaw Middle School, North Shore Elementary, and Landolt Elementary. These campuses gather donations to help stock shelves ahead of the high-demand summer months.

Donations can also be made through the Everyone’s Gotta Eat Amazon Wish List. The list features the most requested items from local pantries and shelters and ships directly to Shell FCU for distribution.

The FCU team is coordinating the collection, organization, and delivery of all donations to trusted local partners.