FARMERS BRANCH, Texas — Texas credit unions have launched Operation Mailbag: Texas Credit Unions Care, a statewide tribute to military service men and women serving overseas.
"Decades ago, credit unions were founded on the 'people helping people' philosophy," said Dick Ensweiler, president/CEO of the Texas Credit Union League. "Even though the world continues to change, one thing remains consistent: not-for-profit credit unions exist solely to serve and help their members–people from all types of backgrounds and means."
In honor of the credit union "people helping people" philosophy, Texas Credit Union League and the Texas Credit Union Foundation have joined forces with Operation Interdependence, a nonprofit organization authorized to collect and distribute items to U.S. troops serving overseas. The Operation Mailbag: Texas Credit Unions Care tribute kicked off on International Credit Union Day (Oct. 19) and ran through Veterans Day (Nov. 11). Participating credit unions collected items for OI Civilian Rations (C-rats), such as snacks, CDs, personal care products and letters of support from caring people at home. OI ships C-rats every month to troops serving on the frontlines. Members of the public also can drop off donations at any participating credit union.
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"This nation has just passed the 300 million mark in population. We entrust our safety and security to less than one percent of these individuals, half of which are on active duty. We in the credit union movement relate to doing things modestly but having enormous responsibility," Ensweiler said. "Our mission is for the financial safety and security of millions of Americans. Operation Mailbag is the least we can do to honor our men and women in harm's way." ICU Day is an opportunity for credit unions to share stories of how they have made a difference. Operation Mailbag is one way in which Texas credit unions are demonstrating this quality.
"TCUF is pleased to partner with these credit unions and TCUL to provide a grant to OI to help defray the cost of shipping these materials to our fine service men and women who serve so bravely," said Jill Pharr, TCUF Executive Director.
Vicki Nixon, a member of the OI National Board of Directors and Area Manager in Spring, Texas, said the following about Operation Mailbag: "The Civilian-Rations sent overseas to the troops represent the care and appreciation of this nation. A Sergeant Major whose platoon received OI C-rats had this to say in an e-mail, '…YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE in someone's life every time, and all the time that you do what you do through OI.' Thank you TCUL members for your incredible community spirit."
To locate participating credit unions and suggested donation items, visit the Operation Mailbag Web site at www.tcul.coop/Operation_mailbag. –[email protected]
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