AmeriCU Credit Union, Utica/Rome, N.Y., recently announced the recipients of its 2007 annual scholarship program. Each winner, recognized for academic excellence, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help achieve their higher education goals. Member applicants were judged on academic performance, extracurricular and community activities.

TruMark Financial Credit Union, Trevose, Pa., recently launched a clothing drive and delivered business suits for students at The Young Women's Leadership School at Rhodes to wear during their annual job shadowing days. The Young Women's Leadership School at Rhodes, an all-female public school in Philadelphia, requires students in their junior year to complete four days of job shadowing and career exploration with local businesses. Job shadowing provides students an up-close look at how the skills learned in school are put to action in the workplace. Through a cooperative effort, the employees collected 20 bags of clothing.

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, St. Paul, Minn., recently partnered with the Special Olympics of Minnesota in the Annual Polar Bear Plunge this year. The credit union sponsored many employees who participated by jumping into the freezing waters of lakes across Minnesota in order to secure funds to be donated to the Special Olympics. In addition to participating in the Polar Bear Plunge events, all 22 branches of Affinity Plus partner with the Special Olympics to raise funds through member donations. Throughout the winter months, the branches raised a total of $2,056 that will help sustain Special Olympics' athletic programs throughout the state.

United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union, Tinton Falls, N.J., invited its members and the community to "Relax, unwind and let go" in a series of free painting workshops entitled "Unlock the Hidden Artist Within You." Attendees were guided through the basics of painting as they relieved stress and had fun. As an added bonus, UTF offered the first 15 registrants free art supplies including canvas, paints and brushes.

HarborOne Credit Union, Brockton, Mass., has donated $5,500 to support the statewide efforts of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Massachusetts credit unions, in affiliation with the Massachusetts Credit Union League, established the Credit Union Affordable Housing/Homeless Trust in order to aid the homeless of the state. The primary beneficiary is the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, the country's oldest statewide homeless advocacy organization. Its efforts focus on access to shelter, health, basic needs, housing, grassroots organizing, outreach and research.

Centra Credit Union, Columbus, Ind., awarded $3,000 in college scholarships to Centra members at its Annual Meeting. Two high school seniors and one returning adult student won $1,000 scholarships to the college or university of their choice. The recipients were: Alysha Kupferer, Ashley DeJohn and Sandra Cockerman.

Mutual Savings Credit Union, Birmingham, Ala., recently provided free glucose testing and Shred-it services at its new UAB West location. During the weeklong celebration, MSCU donated $5 to the UAB West Employee Benevolent Fund every time a new product, service or account was opened.