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.