BANNOCKBURN, Ill.–Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) said concluded 2016 as it began the year – helping those who live within the communities it serves.
“Compassion. That is what is at the heart of our credit union. We are proud to give back and pay it forward in meaningful ways. By supporting and volunteering at organizations and community events, we can help fulfill wishes where caring is needed the most,” said Vikki Kaiser, President/CEO of GLCU.
GLCU staff, Board members and senior management provided volunteer and financial support to many initiatives during the year, including:
Board Charity Project: The Board of Directors selected 13 local organizations to support and GLCU donated a total of $39,000: Open Arms Mission, Antioch; Gurnee Explorers Unit; Coalition for Healthy Communities, Zion; ASCEND, Waukegan; Fat Cat Rescue Inc., North Chicago; McHenry County Community Foundation, Crystal Lake; Helping Paws Animal Shelter, Woodstock; Operation Support Our Troops, Naperville; United Way of Will County, Bolingbrook; Ronald McDonald House, Oak Lawn; Good Shepherd Center, Hazel Crest; Village of Willow Springs Veterans and Family Relief Fund; B.E.S.T., Round Lake Beach.
Random Acts of Kindness: A fun, year-long initiative that let GLCU staff pay it forward to more than 900 people within our branch communities. Random Acts of Kindness included everything from handing out gift cards for free lunches, flowers, car washes, donuts, diapers, ice cream, goodie bags, and the like.
Charities of Choice: Each year GLCU contributes a total of $10,000 to two local organizations. In 2016, the recipients were TLC Animal Shelter in Homer Glen and A Safe Place in Zion, a women’s shelter.
Child Safety & Fun Fairs: GLCU held free events in Crystal Lake and Naperville. Parents received identity toolkits, police volunteers fingerprinted children, and firefighters and EMTs explained the workings of fire trucks and ambulances.
Global Reach: GLCU staff volunteered at Feed My Starving Children events in Libertyville and Aurora to pack meal kits to help feed more than 40,000 children worldwide who do not have access to proper nutrition.
Member Commitment: In 2016, GLCU gave back more than $3 million dollars to its members in dividends, free financial education, free checks, totally free ATMs and ATM rebates, and other free convenience services like mobile check deposits, online banking and eStatements.
Secret Santa for Shelters: More than 1,500 gifts were collected, wrapped and distributed by GLCU to bring holiday cheer to those staying at the Women’s Treatment Center in Chicago and Home of the Sparrow in McHenry. The Women’s Treatment Center provides a comprehensive family-based treatment program for women battling addiction and the Home of the Sparrow serves women who are homeless of all ages and demographics, including single women and single women with children or pregnant.
Shred Day Events: These free events were held at the Crystal Lake and Oak Lawn branches and gave the public an opportunity to shred sensitive information to help prevent identity theft.
Veteran Support: Once again GLCU sponsored the Village of Willow Springs 9th Annual Benefit Car Show held for the Willow Springs Veterans and Family Relief Fund. The Fund assists Veterans with food, rent and utilities. GLCU also supported local initiatives such as the A.J. Lynch Foundation ‘Swingin for Vets’ golf outing and the Lovell Center in North Chicago.
Youth Financial Literacy: GLCU conducted 37 financial education events impacting 1,830 local students through its budget simulation program for high school students called “Mad City Money.”