Going All Out for the Community and Inviting the Community In

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

Members 1st CU Raises Money and Collects Food for Brenden’s Friday Backpacks

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Members 1st Credit Union, based in Festus, Mo., raised $685 in cash donations and collected more than 400 pounds of food for Brenden’s Friday Backpacks, a nonprofit group started in 2011 to feed children in Jefferson County schools.

The $65 million credit union collected donations throughout August at its South County/Concord and Festus locations. Donations came from staff and members.

“Members 1st Credit Union is proud to donate to such a great cause and support Brenden’s Friday Backpacks,” says Brian Eyestone, Members 1st Credit Union president. “No child should have to wait for the school week to begin to eat a meal.”

Brenden’s Friday Backpacks feeds more than 1,700 children in 62 schools throughout Jefferson County on a weekly basis during the school year. Every Friday, each child takes home a bag of single-serve, nonperishable, kid-friendly foods that can be easily prepared and last until the child returns to school the following week. The program is run entirely by volunteers and accepts anonymous referrals from local schools.

Texas Trust Breaks Ground on a New Branch in Mansfield

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Creating a more inviting environment that focuses on relationship building and consultation will be two key benefits of the new Texas Trust Credit Union branch in Mansfield.

The $2 billion credit union broke ground on a 2,500-square-foot facility at Highway 360 and U.S. 287. The facility will feature an open concept that allows for more comfortable and relaxed conversations about members’ financial matters, along with concierge-style services tailored to member needs.

The full-service branch will be staffed with universal tellers who can assist members with traditional transactions and more complex financial concerns. Members can get assistance from any staff member without waiting for a specialized employee.

“The purpose of our branches today is to be a beacon of stability and trust for our members,” said Jim Minge, CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union. “We’ve designed this branch to erase physical barriers and promote trust.”

“We build our business one relationship at a time, and often those relationships are built face to face,” Minge added.

According to an Accenture 2023 consumer banking survey, two-thirds of consumers see credit union branches as a sign of stability and availability. Although consumers complete routine financial transactions online every day, when it comes to complex financial problems, most people prefer to go to a branch to resolve specific issues.

The building will reflect traditional Texas materials with a modern form and feature Austin cream limestone, weathered vintage wood, and stucco. The interior will feature warm, welcoming wood tones in the light-filled lobby, accented with the Texas Trust signature blue brand color. A welcoming “front porch” will shade the walkways and the entry, and an exterior seating area will highlight a Texas star sculpture, all surrounded by planted terraces.  

Members will also have convenient access to a drive-up ATM and be able to handle routine transactions through three drive-thru lanes. The new branch should be open by the summer of 2025.

Texas Trust Backpack Campaign Wins MAC Award

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Texas Trust’s back-to-school backpack giveaway has been a huge hit for parents, students, and the credit union industry. Earlier in the year, Texas Trust won two Pinnacle awards for the backpack initiative. The campaign won a third award, this time from the Marketing Association for Credit Unions (MAC). 

National studies indicate that parents spend over $100 per child on back-to-school supplies, which can create a significant financial burden for single parents and parents with multiple children.

Texas Trust filled 2,200 backpacks with routine school supplies and gave them to parents with school-aged children. The credit union also hid a surprise $250 in one backpack, which was chosen by a single mom of two elementary-aged children. The money helped her purchase supplies and clothes for her two children.

“The mom who took home the extra cash showed us how important such a small gesture can be for a family,” said Heidi Hardy, vice president of public relations for Texas Trust Credit Union. “Her story alone made the campaign a success.”

Hardy continued, “We appreciate the industry recognizing the impact of this campaign. It is that impact that motivates us to develop campaigns like this.”