A debit card designed to help North Carolina firefighters has continued to generate contributions, according to the $1.5 billion Local Government Federal Credit Union in Raleigh.

The 197,000-member LGFCU launched the debit card, which dedicates some of its interchange revenue to support firefighters, in 2003. Since then, it has generated more than $529,000 for the North Carolina State Firemen’s Association.

Along with generating revenue for the NCSFA, which provides training, education and support to firefighters, the program stimulates spending in communities across North Carolina, the CU said, reporting that firefighters and their families have used their cards to spend more than $112 million the launch of the program.

 “We are proud that our partnership with the NCSFA continues to thrive. In the first quarter of this year alone, the program generated more than $43,000,” said LGFCU President Maurice Smith. “It not only benefits the brave firefighters of our state, but provides a boost to local economies across North Carolina.”

The CU reported that there are currently more than 5,600 of the cards in circulation.