The $1.8 billion Municipal Credit Union in New York, which has been criticizedby dozens of members for service lapses following Hurricane Sandy,has donated $25,000 to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City,to support hurricane relief efforts.

For nearly a week, MCU members posted complaints after readingCredit Union Times articles about MCU issues with failing to credit direct deposit checks tomembers' accounts, no phone customer services, inoperable ATMs andproblems with online banking.

• SANDY NEWS: Nov. 14, 2012 CUAid Passes $175,000 Mark

Frustrated members, not being able to access cash or pay theirbills, expressed anger and disappointment, charging that MCU wasnot adequately prepared to continue services.

In addition to causing widespread destruction, Hurricane Sandyknocked out power to millions of homeowners and businessesthroughout the New York tri-state area for days. Under these verychallenging and difficult circumstances, MCU said it was workingaround the clock and as quickly as possible to restoreservices.

“Municipal Credit Union is dedicated to assisting New Yorkersduring this difficult time, and we have made efforts to help bothour membership and the New York community as a whole,” wroteKam Wong, MCU's president/CEO, in a letter to 340,000 MCUmembers Wednesday.

Wong's letter also outlined its members assistance programoffering MCU member relief through special products and servicesincluding replacement auto loans, unsecured personal loans foremergency expenses, credit line increases and loan paymentdeferments based on proven hardship.

“With so many New Yorkers impacted, MCU wants to ensure we doour part to assist all New Yorkers in need. To help, MCU hasdonated $25,000 to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City,dedicating the donation to the Mayor's Fund's Hurricane ReliefEfforts,” Wong wrote.

“If you would like to join us in helping those in need, we askthat you visit www.nyc.gov and donate to the Mayor's Fund'sHurricane Relief Efforts. MCU also will be collecting canned goodsat all of our open branch locations to donate to City Harvest forthose in need,” his letter said.