First Trust Credit Union has continued its mission to help members and the community at-large with a $15,000 donation to The Salvation Army of Michigan City. First Trust Credit Union has branches in Michigan City, La Porte, Valparaiso and Wheatfield. As a not for profit entity, First Trust’s main quest is to provide the best financial support to its members, said First Trust Marketing Director, Dorene Martinson.
“Credit unions are all about people helping people with a shared philosophy of ‘Not for Profit, Not for Charity, but for Service,’” said Martinson. “We value giving back to the community in which we live, and we make that a priority at First Trust Credit Union.”
The contribution, provided by First Trust’s credit card program partner, Elan Credit Card, has been designated for The Salvation Army of Michigan City. Elan selected 25 new credit union partners to designate a charity in their community to receive a $15,000 check, and First Trust selected The Salvation Army.
First Trust President/CEO Kim Kniola said choosing The Salvation Army as its long-time charity partner was an evident choice because of the organizations’ similar goals.
“The Salvation Army and First Trust Credit Union are both driven to help people,” Kniola said. “The credit union’s motto is ‘People Helping People,’ and The Salvation Army’s motto is ‘Doing the Most Good’ in our communities.”
For more than 20 years, First Trust has partnered with The Salvation Army of Michigan City by providing donations, sponsoring events and organizing the annual Stuff A Bus event. At the Stuff A Bus fundraiser, the community comes together at local supermarkets for a major food drive that aims to restock The Salvation Army’s food pantry shelves for the fall/holiday season.
The Salvation Army provides the largest food pantry in La Porte County, a diaper bank, utility assistance, clothing closet, summer camp, Thanksgiving meal and Christmas toys and food.
Major Rebecca “Becky” Simmons of The Salvation Army in Michigan City said that her organization was extremely thankful for this unexpected donation.
“Partnerships, such as the one between The Salvation Army and First Trust Credit Union, remain key as we strive to serve those most in need in our community,” Simmons said.
Martinson is very thankful to Elan for its generosity in making the donation possible, and First Trust Credit Union members and employees for the efforts and donations they continuously give to all charity partners.
“Over the past year, we have heard and seen firsthand how our charitable giving program is making an impact. These nonprofits are doing incredible work for community members, and it is an honor for us to be able to support them,” Elan Credit Card General Manager, John Owens, said.
Throughout the year, First Trust sponsors other fundraising events, including hosting an Angel Tree every December for The Salvation Army where members of the credit union and employees donate gifts for children in need between the ages of birth - 14 years old for the holiday season. First Trust’s additional branches in Valparaiso, La Porte, and Wheatfield also partner throughout the year with local charities to give back to their communities.
For more information about First Trust Credit Union programs and services, visit https://www.firsttrustcu.com/credit-union-difference-membership/.
