LIVONIA, Mich.–With a goal of collecting set a goal to collect 75 backpacks stuffed with grade-specific supplies to support Volunteers of America Michigan’s Operation Backpack program, Zeal Credit Union exceeded its goal.
“Sticking true to our pillars as a credit union that lives with character, feels with empathy, and acts with passion, we wanted to ensure homeless and at-risk children in Michigan enjoy a great start to the school year,” said Tiffany Sweet, youth and community development coordinator for Zeal Credit Union. “Thanks to generous members, staff and community partners, we exceeded our goal.”
Sweet and marketing team members delivered 80 fully stuffed backpacks, each containing 20 to more than 40 items depending on grade level. The backpacks are being distributed through the local interdisciplinary school district’s homeless student programs.
Among the school supplies included were binders, notebooks, crayons, pencils, markers, staplers, crayons, calculators, USB flash drives, tissues, hand sanitizers and more. Along with the fully stuffed backpacks, the credit union delivered three unstuffed backpacks and dozens of miscellaneous supplies.