MARLBOROUGH, Mass.–Massachusetts Credit Unions affiliated with the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) recently donated four beds to underprivileged children in the Lowell, Mass., area in support of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless initiative, “A Bed for Every Child.”
The donation honors the memory of the late Stephen P. Jones, a 10-year member of the Massachusetts Social Responsibility Committee, the charitable arm of CCUA that organizes fundraising events and activities for the coalition. Funds for the beds were raised during the committee’s annual charity golf tournament, renamed this year after Jones, a passionate supporter of the coalition’s work and an avid golfer, who died unexpectedly in the fall of 2016.
“Most of us take for granted the bed we sleep in each night; but there are thousands of Massachusetts children growing up in poverty who have no bed of their own. A bed is a very basic need that many low- to no-income families simply cannot afford,” said Robyn Frost, the coalition’s executive director.
In recent years, the Massachusetts Credit Unions have raised funds to distribute more than 400 beds in all corners of the state.
Each of the beds given in Jones’ honor sports a written message on the back of the headboard that reads, “Dream Big Like Steve Jones.”
Jones’ passion for helping people went beyond his work for the coalition. As the longtime vice president of community development at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union in Lowell, Mass., he worked tirelessly to support community efforts and gave his time to many non-profits throughout the area. At the time of his passing, he sat on the boards of the Cultural Organization of Lowell, Whistler House Museum of Art, My Father's House, Greater Lowell YMCA, Lucy's Love Bus, Town of Chelmsford Scholarship Committee, Chelmsford Youth Basketball League, and Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union’s We Share a Common Thread Foundation.
In 2011, Jones was recognized by Community Teamwork, Inc. of Lowell with its community service award for his dedication to the region and to helping his fellow man.
“Giving back to the community was very important to Steve,” said Mark S. Cochran, president and CEO of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “The donation of these beds will not only provide a sense of safety and security for children in need right here in our local community, but it enables us to continue Steve’s legacy in a meaningful way. We appreciate the support of all those who helped make this possible.”