ALBANY, N.Y. – For Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union, International Credit Union Day was best celebrated by helping fill the American Red Cross blood banks. "This is the fifth consecutive year we've hosted a Blood Drive in honor of International Credit Union Day," said Empire Corporate FCU Senior Vice President Member Sales/Service Victor Vrigian. "One of credit unions' core philosophies is `people helping people,' and we are committed to helping people in our community by opening our doors for such a necessary and worthwhile event." In addition to several Empire staff members donating blood, many also volunteered during the five-hour drive running the registration and canteen tables, thus allowing Red Cross volunteers to spend their time at other events. In total, Empire Corporate and The American Red Cross collected 23 units of blood during the event. Each unit of blood helps three individuals in need.