The $1.2 billion Pen Air Federal Credit Union has donated itsmobile branch to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation, thePensacola, Fla., credit union said.

The SECUF has “rewrapped” the vehicle to promote a generalcredit union message, including the Web address of asmarterchoice.org to helpconsumers find a credit union near them.

The rewrapped mobile branch was displayed at the Leagueof Southeastern Credit Unions' annual convention and exhibitionheld earlier this month in Orlando, Fla.

Although the mobile branch may be used for some promotionalevents, its primary purpose is to help credit unions whenever theyare affected by natural disasters in Alabama and Florida andsurrounding states, said Mike Bridges, vice president ofcommunication for LSCU.

In 2011 and 2012, the mobile branch enabled $237 millionWinSouth Credit Union in Gadsden, Ala., and the $46 million SecureFirst Credit Union in Birmingham to continue serving its membersafter both credit unions were hit hard by tornado disasters, theleague said.

But in addition to lending it out to other credit unions, PenAir realized it was using the mobile branch all the time for SEGdevelopment, business development, special events and communityevents, said Patty Veal, vice president of marketing for Pen AirFCU. So the credit union decided to donate its mobile branch toSECUF after purchasing a new mobile branch.

“Pen Air Federal Credit Union has been more than happy to helpout other credit unions during natural disasters,” Veal said. “Weknew that the league was in need of a mobile branch. We're happy tohave played a part in that so when credit unions have a need forthe mobile branch they can contact the league directly.”