They say there is no such thing as a free lunch.

But in Kansas earlier this week, about 1,200 lucky folks got a free lunch, coffee, gift cards and cash during the Kansas Credit Union Association's Make a Difference campaign.

The surprise give-a-ways were given out by employees from 11 participating credit unions at seven locally owned coffee houses or cafes throughout the state. Each business had $1,000 to use in the form of cash or gift cards. Depending on the location, people were surprised with a gift card, cash or a free purchase of coffee or lunch.

The Make a Difference campaign is way of publicly demonstrating the credit union principles of people helping people and serving communities.

Naturally, the free lunches, coffees, gift cards and cash were greeted with a lot “thank you's” and “wow, this is great!” both in person and via social networks like Twitter and Facebook, said Susan Dyer, communications director for the KCUA.

Dyer added that some hugs were exchanged and some consumers asked “what's a credit union?” This gave the credit union employees a chance to explain how credit unions differ from traditional banks.

Credit unions that participated in KCUA's Make a Difference campaign included: the $61 million Emporia State FCU in Emporia; the $8 million United CU in Ness City, the $38 million United Northwest FCU in Norton, the $346 million Mainstreet CU in Kansas City; the $20 million Reliance CU in Kansas City; the $183 million Educational CU in Topeka; the $274 million Quest CU in Topeka; the $22 million New Century CU in Topeka, the $29 million EquiShare CU in Wichita; the $208 million Mid American CU in Wichita, and the $78 million Wichita FCU in Wichita.

The league said it plans to hold another Make A Difference campaign in October during International Credit Union Week.

Instant Insights /

Kansas Credit Unions Show There is a Free Lunch

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