BATON ROUGE, La. — Since the destructive damage caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, members of Pelican State Credit Union have turned to the financial institution for much-needed relief.
The $147 million CU said its member relief program, created to help those get back on their feet, is in high demand. Nearly 290 applications have been received for a flat rate loan that assists with high insurance deductibles, according to Jeff Conrad, CEO of Pelican State. The CU has also disbursed more than $327,000 in home repair loans and returned more than $3,100 in ATM fees to members who used a non-Pelican ATM in the days surrounding the hurricanes. The relief program is in such demand that the CU will extend it through the end of October.
"In a disastrous situation you've got to get gasoline and cash wherever it's available. That is why we decided to refund our members. During times like these, every little bit counts," Conrad said.
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Conrad praised the CU's staff, with so many showing up for work the day after the storm that some were sent home to tend to their own repairs. Out in the community, Pelican State employees served free jambalaya to more than 450 employees at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center in Houma, one of the hardest hit cities in Louisiana. Conrad said hospital staff had worked around the clock to take care of patients and make repairs.
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