SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – To promote participation in direct deposit Sunmark Federal Credit Union was willing to pay members. In the "Win an extra payday with Sunmark and Direct Deposit" members were asked to sign up and share a short story about the most ridiculous item they ever spent a paycheck on because they had money in their pocket. Three lucky members: Wendy Kennedy, Fred Randall, and Gene Hinkle were awarded the extra paychecks The stories ranged from buying a device from a TV ad that supposedly firmed facial muscles and jawlines that turned out to be a foam ball and joining World War II comrades on a tour of D-Day sites in France to purchasing a motorcycle to impress a girlfriend, who he later married. Not only did they never ride it, but while trying to sell the motorcycle a test driver totaled the bike, necessitating legal action to recoup the owner's costs. "This promotion informed our members about the benefits of electronically depositing their payroll, pension or Social Security checks," said Bill Jenkins, Sunmark FCU marketing manager. "Not only do they avoid standing in line at a branch facility or venturing out in inclement weather, but direct deposit can also help with fiscal discipline. Plus, it's a secure way of receiving your pay even if you're away from home! The awards also demonstrate our commitment to improving our members' financial position."