Andrews Federal Credit Union, Suitland, Md., participated in Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.) job fair at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md. Over 2,600 people attended the event and Andrews Federal's human resource department representatives were present to speak to job seekers. Participants were given information on credit reports and scores in addition to being offered the opportunity to become credit union members. Andrews Federal also took part in a community day sponsored by the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Approximately 250 people attended the event, which was held at THEARC in Washington and offered free school supplies, community resources, food, music and kid's activities. Andrews Federal provided free financial literacy information and opened new membership accounts.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Rapid City, S.D., held its 14th annual school supply drive in August, gathering over 75,000 items for more than 50 area schools. Donations of supplies and monetary gifts from local businesses and individuals are divided by need for every school and given to administrators to distribute to students. Black Hills Federal Credit Union helped organize the drive in Rapid City 14 years ago in partnership with two area teachers. Over the years, the drive has grown to serve 12 Black Hills communities.

Detroit Metropolitan Credit Union, Detroit, Mich., held a Community Summer Open House in July. There were several vendors, refreshments, games, prizes and a clown. Approximately 1,000 people attended the event.

First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Allentown, Pa., reached out to the Latino community by holding a seminar on “Understanding Credit.” It was held Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at its Allentown branch. The seminar, which presented by three Spanish-speaking First Commonwealth employees, focused on why credit matters; credit reports; credit scoring; how to establish or re-establish credit; managing your money; and deleting debt. The seminar was offered free of charge. The seminar is one of many initiatives the credit union has undertaken to reach out to the Lehigh Valley's Latino community. The credit union has Spanish-speaking employees at multiple credit union branches and in its call center. It provides many financial materials in Spanish as well, and will soon add Spanish content to its website.

Kane County Teachers Credit Union, Chicago, hosted its third 2010 communitywide Shred Fest last month. The public was invited to bring any amount of personal paper documents and textbooks to be shredded by KCT Credit Union onsite. One of many throughout the year, KCT Credit Union's latest Shred Fest was held as students from preschool through college around the community return to school. With moving and cleaning taking place to organize and prepare for the new school year, students and families at the event will have a convenient, secure and environmentally responsible way to get rid of personal documents and textbooks. To date, KCT Credit Union has shredded and recycled nearly 40,000 pounds of paper during its previously held communitywide Shred Fests. In addition to the onsite shredding for paper and textbooks, KCT Credit Union gives away recyclable tote bags at no charge.

Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union, Van Nuys, Calif., sponsored a “MyHero” video contest to connect and strengthen relationships with its youth members. The contest, which offered a grand prize of $500, encouraged credit union members ages 12-18 to create a one-minute video depicting who their hero is and why. Members voted on their favorite videos to determine the winners. The contest was conducted entirely on YouTube and it was the first of its kind held by LAPFCU, drawing in 14 video entries and 446 votes. Video entries, which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/LAPoliceFCU, featured heroes ranging from fathers, mothers and grandfathers to best friends, celebrities and even a dog. Winners of the contest are: First place: Shelby Vasich, age 12, for her grandpa hero video; second place: Karen Parga, 14, for her cancer patients hero video; and third place: Thomas Suarez, 12, for his Steve Jobs hero video.

Because all entries showed such creativity and care, the credit union decided to give each participant a prize of $500.

Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, Harrisburg, Pa., stayed true to the credit union philosophy by donating its exhibit space at the City of Harrisburg's Kipona festival to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. As the sponsor of the PSECU Artfest at Kipona, PSECU received a tent location that was then handed over to the food bank for its use. The tent gave the food bank a place to educate the public about the services it provides to Central Pennsylvanians and presented a great opportunity to raise awareness of Hunger Action Month, which is in September.