Community givebacks are First Trust Credit Union’s bread and butter, and during the holidays, this desire to do good in the community manifests itself in many different ways, varying from branch to branch.
“A very important part of the credit union movement is community involvement and giving back to the communities we serve,” Marketing Director Dorene Martinson said. “We do this through sponsorships, donations, and fundraising for our charity partners. All of our branch locations work with one or two local charity partners throughout the year. We conduct various fundraising activities to raise funds or gather items needed, and we have both employees and our generous members who participate to help fulfill these efforts.”
Read on to discover how all four First Trust Credit Union branches gave back during the holidays.
Michigan City Branch – The Salvation Army of Michigan City
For decades, First Trust Credit Union’s Michigan City branch has worked hand-in-hand with The Salvation Army of Michigan City. For the 12 years Martinson has worked at First Trust Credit Union, she has enjoyed building a relationship with The Salvation Army of Michigan City Development Director Jessica O’Brien, working together with her throughout the year. Since it first began 20 years ago, First Trust Credit Union has organized the annual Stuff a Bus event every September, which is a donation of food and hygiene products. Other ways First Trust Credit Union has worked with The Salvation Army of Michigan City include Angel Tree and an employee snack shop.
“The Salvation Army of Michigan City is a top-notch organization that helps our local community in so many different ways, providing assistance with food, clothing, living expenses, counseling, and so much more. They work hard to truly stand up to the national Salvation Army slogan of ‘Doing the Most Good.’ The Salvation Army of Michigan City is a vital component in our community for the underserved, and I’m sure we will continue to support their efforts for many years to come,” Martinson said.
La Porte Branch – Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center
Since 2023, First Trust Credit Union’s La Porte branch has worked with the Jane Bernard Animal Adoption Center to make the lives of animals as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With many local pet shelters full, La Porte Branch Manager Chrissy Warren revealed that the First Trust Credit Union wanted to contribute much-needed items, including food, toys, and other supplies. The La Porte branch also sponsors at least one cat and one dog for adoption each year because many of its employees and members know firsthand the mutual value and happiness pets and humans can add to each other’s lives.
“We are all animal lovers and know the joy and inner peace an animal brings to someone’s life,” Warren said. “We wanted to share that with our members and the community. We have people in the community of La Porte who live alone or who are alone a lot and could use the joy and love of an animal. There are also families who have a pet join their home to teach kids the responsibilities and fun of owning a pet. All the shelters are full, and there are many animals that need a loving home as much as a person needs the companionship of an animal.”
Wheatfield Branch – Angel Tree
Since Wheatfield Branch Director Amy Holsapple began working at First Trust Credit Union 28 years ago, she has admired the company’s partnership with Angel Tree. Over the years, First Trust Credit Union has participated in Angel Tree to benefit different groups such as the Junior Woman’s Club and Wheatfield Elementary School. First Trust Credit Union has been supporting Wheatfield Elementary School through Angel Tree for about six years now. In the 2024 holiday season, First Trust Credit Union worked with both Wheatfield Elementary School and DeMotte Elementary School to supply children with Christmas gifts.
“I love that this is such a community partnership,” Holsapple said. “I feel First Trust Credit Union positively contributed to putting the word out there. Our members love the Angel Tree and contribute by sharing their good fortune with the less fortunate. The Angel Tree is First Trust Credit Union’s biggest fundraiser every year; we love being a part of this and sharing with our community.”
Valparaiso Branch – Hilltop Neighborhood House
First Trust Credit Union’s Valparaiso branch, previously Valparaiso University Federal Credit Union, has a rich history with Valparaiso University (VU) and its staff. According to Valparaiso Branch Director Crystal Scarborough, former VU professor and football coach Walt Reiner was active in the community and connected First Trust Credit Union’s branch with Hilltop Neighborhood House before his passing. Since then, the Valpo branch has worked with Hilltop Neighborhood House about twice a year, providing back-to-school supplies, fulfilling Christmas wishlists, and finding other avenues through which to serve. During the 2024 holiday season, First Trust Credit Union decided to adopt a classroom.
“We spoke with Hilltop about this and they suggested adopting a classroom,” Scarborough said. “Doing this allows us to purchase much-needed items and supplies for a specific class that all the students will benefit from. Hilltop will give us a wish list they have for their respective class and we present the items as Christmas tags on our Christmas Tree for our members to choose from. Once a member has decided on the items they wish to purchase for Hilltop, they bring the Christmas tag to the teller, the teller debits their account for the amount of the item(s), and First Trust orders all the items that have been selected from Amazon, Target, or wherever we need to get the items. It’s really a win-win for everyone because all the kids benefit, and it’s easy for our members because we do all the shopping!”
No matter the method, the staff and members of First Trust Credit Union are eager to support the community.
“I would like to thank both our employees and our members for their participation over the years in our efforts to assist our local charities at all of our branch locations,” Martinson said. “We are very grateful for our generous members who help us achieve our fundraising goals.”
For more information about First Trust Credit Union and its positive presence in the communities it serves, visit firsttrustcu.com.
