HANSCOM AFB, Mass.–Approximately 100 volunteers from the Hanscom Air Force Base community braved a nor’easter to construct beds for area children in need. Fifty-two beds were prepared for donation to A Bed for Every Child, an initiative of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. The Build-a-Bed event was sponsored by Hanscom Federal Credit Union.
“The difficult weather conditions did not deter our intrepid volunteers in the least,” said Hanscom FCU Chairman Paul Marotta. “If anything, they underscored the fact that every child in this country deserves to have a warm, safe bed to sleep in at night.”
During the event, held at Hanscom AFB’s indoor tennis facility, organizers provided the necessary tools and supplies to construct the beds, each bed taking 90 minutes to complete at a cost of $250, including the frame, mattress, and bedding. Volunteers then went to work sanding and painting, preparing the beds for delivery within the next two weeks. The credit union supplied pizza, drinks, and cookies to fuel the volunteer effort.
In addition to its many enthusiastic event volunteers, Hanscom FCU donated over $12,500 to the initiative, including $5,200 raised by employees through their 2017 Holiday Raffle.
At right, Volunteers from Hanscom FCU include: Bill Burpeau; Paul Marotta, Chairman of the Board; Cynthia Donovan; Mike Rzeszutek; Terri Bellacini; David Sprague, President/CEO; and Robyn Frost, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.
Separately, CUNA recently presented Hanscom Federal Credit Union with the 2017 Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award. This award recognizes credit unions that exemplify the credit union philosophy to help members’ financial matters and further their financial education. The presentation took place at the Government Affairs Conference in Washington.
“We’re very proud to accept this award,” said Marotta. “Hanscom FCU has always prioritized helping its members understand the often confusing world of personal finance, especially creditworthiness and credit scores. This award validates the focus we’ve put on these efforts.”
Hanscom FCU won top honors in the largest asset size category for its “What’s Your Credit Score?” program. The initiative offers a Credit Score Evaluation, including credit score and credit report review, free for all members. Members learn how to raise their score and get the lowest possible rate on their loans. Members who take Hanscom FCU’s advice and quality for a lower rate are eligible for a rate adjustment on their current loans.