El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, Texas, recentlydonated $10,000 to Community Partners of El Paso's Rainbow Room.This is the fifth year that the El Paso Employees FCU staff raisedfunds to benefit the children and families of the Rainbow Room, aprogram created by Community Partners to fill a gap in services toabused and neglected children. The CU also awarded $20,000 inscholarships to eight graduating high school seniors and sixundergraduate students. Montrose Federal Credit Union, Montrose,Colo., recently awarded its first ever scholarship awards. Twolucky individuals, who are members of the CU, received a $1,000scholarship toward higher education. Heather Webb and AJ Satur eachreceived a $1,000 scholarship from the CU. Pacific Service CreditUnion, Fresno, Calif., recently made a donation that provided$20,000 in school supplies for more than 3,000 children enrolled inFresno County Economics Opportunities Commission Head Start. HeadStart provides low-income children a good foundation for earlylearning and development. Each child received a school bag thatcontained basic educational supplies including, pencils, crayons,rulers, coloring books and reading books. Each child also receiveda piggy bank to teach them the importance of saving. Memphis AreaTeachers' Credit Union, Memphis, Tenn., awarded seven $2,500scholarships to students who plan to pursue a career in teaching.The recipients received a $2,500 annual, renewable scholarship.Winners can receive up to $10,000 over four years as long asguidelines continue to be met. MATCU sponsors five of the sevenscholarships and thanks to the generous support of Dr. Frank Dyer,a member of the CU's board, two additional scholarships areawarded. The recipients were chosen for their academicachievements, interest in pursuing a career in education and civicvolunteer efforts. The recipients are: Emily Babin, JalenciaBurchett, Jessica Joyner, Marian Ray, Brennan Wade, Jessica Wrightand Lauren Price. SC Telco Federal Credit Union, Greenville, S.C.,recently awarded Davis Goforth and Andrew Johnson each a $1,000Excellence in Education Scholarship at its annual meeting. SC Telcocreated the scholarship with the goal of providing assistance tomembers who wish to pursue a college degree. Since 2001, SC Telcohas awarded $10,000 in scholarships to help its members witheducational expenses. U.S. New Mexico Federal Credit Union'sCommunity Involvement Committee, Albuquerque, N.M., donated over$18,000 to charitable organizations in 2005. The committee iscomprised of credit union employees who donate their timeorganizing and running fundraising events throughout the year.Donations were made to Casa Angelica, UNM Children's Hospital,American Cancer Society, Presbyterian Hospice, Joy Junction, CarrieTingley Foundation, Rio Grande Food Project and the Salvation Army.In addition to donations, credit union employees participated in:The Bowl for Kids Sake for Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Making StridesAgainst Breast Cancer; Mudd Volleyball tournament (all proceedswent to Carrie Tingley Children's Hospital); Car Wash for JoyJunction; School Supply Drive; Make a Difference Day; and AnimalHumane Society's Doggie Dash and Dawdle. The CU also donatedapproximately 50 computers and 30 printers to local schools andneedy families and CU employees also pledged over $10,000 throughpayroll deductions to United Way. Employees and members of AdvanceFinancial Federal Credit Union, Highland, Ind., participated in theMarch of Dimes' "Walk America 2006," a nine-mile walk throughoutthe community. This year's Advance Financial "Walk America" teamraised more than $1,000 in support of March of Dimes' research andprograms that help fight threats to the health of the 470,000babies in the U.S. who are born too soon every year. To raise thefunds, Advance Financial's team solicited donations for theirparticipation in the walk, and offered collectible plush bean bagbears in their three offices during the weeks leading up to theevent. Georgia Federal Credit Union, Duluth, Ga., recentlypartnered with the American Red Cross by adopting a local donorcenter to give the gift of life. GFCU's corporate employeesparticipated along with others from the Credit Union Affiliates andCUNA Mutual Group. There were approximately 20 participants thatgave blood which will be used to help save the lives of up to 60people. Gwinnett Federal Credit Union, Lawrenceville, Ga., hasrecently awarded a total of $18,000 in student scholarships. Nine$2,000 Legacy Scholarships went to high school seniors who will bemajoring in education and plan to return to Georgia to teach. Thisscholarship honors past and present board members who have servedfor over 20 years and credit union employees who have 30 years ormore of service. Founders Federal Credit Union, Lancaster, S.C.,sponsored the 2nd Annual Girls on the Run 5K Family Run/Walk andFitness Celebration recently. Despite the bad weather, Foundersemployees worked under a tent for the entire event to speak withthe young girls about how Founders can help them save their moneyfor a rainy day. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit prevention programthat encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthylifestyles through running. The Annual 5K Run is an annual eventthat includes participants from local Girls on the Run councils aswell as their family members.