Celebrating International Credit Union Day with Community Service

On October 17th, in honor of International Credit Union Day, ten dedicated employees from America’s Credit Union (ACU) joined forces with staff from OBee, Sound, Harborstone, and TapCo credit unions to make a positive impact in the South Puget Sound community. Together, they completed three meaningful community service projects, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and community support that credit unions embody.

Project 1: Charlotte’s Blueberry Farm – Tacoma, WA

At Charlotte’s Blueberry Farm, volunteers teamed up with the Metro Parks department to prune blueberry bushes, maintain landscaping, and clean up garbage. This park, home to 4,000 blueberry bushes dating back to the 1920s, relies on volunteers to keep it beautiful and accessible. Visitors can enjoy and pick blueberries free of charge, thanks to the efforts of these dedicated volunteers.

Project 2: Habitat for Humanity – Tacoma, WA

Volunteers also partnered with Habitat for Humanity at two locations to help build the frame of a home. This hands-on experience allowed them to see the fascinating yet labor-intensive process of home construction from the ground up. Evelyn Garcia, one of the volunteers, shared her excitement: “My favorite part of the day was getting hands on building the framework of a home. It was pretty cool being able to see firsthand how homes are started out from scratch. It was also pretty neat that during our lunch we got to learn more about Habitat For Humanity and how they help families through a small presentation that our lead presented.”

Project 3: Food Backpacks 4 Kids – Longbranch, WA

In Longbranch, volunteers worked with Food Backpacks 4 Kids to clear and prep a garden for winter. They harvested over 1,000 pounds of produce, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, and kale, which will be distributed to local families in need. The remaining plants were composted, ensuring the garden is ready for the next planting season.

Crysta Leatherwood, another enthusiastic volunteer, expressed her joy: “My favorite part of the day was just helping out the community. I really enjoy that our CU places such a high importance on helping our community. It is wonderful knowing that I get to work with people who genuinely care about others and make a difference.”

A Day of Unity and Service

The collaboration between ACU and the other credit unions highlights the power of unity and the positive impact that can be made when people come together for a common cause. International Credit Union Day serves as a reminder of the importance of community service and the difference that dedicated individuals can make in their local areas. Through their hard work and dedication, these volunteers have not only improved their community but also strengthened the bonds between their organizations and the people they serve.