DULUTH, Ga. — Georgia Credit Union Affiliates has tracked anumber of credit unions across the state that are helping membersstay afloat in the midst of a tidal wave of high gas prices, risingfood costs and other recession-like signs.

The $17 million Etowah Valley FCU has a short-term loan formembers to help pay for back to school supplies as well as a loanproduct that cuts payments in half for six months for those whohave lost their jobs. Members at $57 million CSRA FCU canrestructure their accounts, including certificates and sharestotaling more than $100,000, free of any withdrawal fees.

Lifestyle hardships such as a divorce or medical emergencies arebeing eased by $21 million Georgia Power Valdosta FCU, which isallowing its members to skip one payment once they have made threeconsecutive payments on auto and signature loans.