Credit Unions for Kids, the industry's fundraising vehiclebenefitting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, is estimating that creditunions raised about $225,000 through their participation inSeptember's Miracle Jeans Day and other fundraising events.

However, many of the participating credit unions applied formatching funds through the CO-OP Miracle Match program fromCO-OP Financial Services, which could bring the credit unionindustry's total contribution to Miracle Jeans Day 2012 to a higherfigure by year's end, CMNH said.

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CO-OP Financial Servicesprovides credit unions with payment processing, e-commerce, sharedbranching and call center services. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah,Children's Miracle Network Hospital raises funds to supportchildren's hospitals across the nation.

Credit unions continue to be the largest group supporting theinitiative in the entire CMNH network of donors. In 2012, it'sestimated that credit unions will account for about 30% of allfunds raised through Miracle Jeans Day held Sept. 12.

The largest fundraising area is Los Angeles and Orangecounties in Southern California, but all 50 states were representedamong participating credit unions. More than 30 Ohio credit unionsraised more than $6,370, and employee participation was high. For example, about 80% of employees at the $184 millionFirefighters Community Credit Union in Cleveland donated toCMNH.

The $45 million Community Financial Services Federal Credit Union in Roselle,N.J. raised $2,600 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals duringfundraising events held during the summer. The credit union'sfundraising efforts culminated in “Credit Union for Kids” day onSept. 13. More than 50 members joined the credit unionfor a barbecue with the mascot of the New Jersey Devils hockeyteam.

“America's credit unions once again led the way with the largestpercentage of participation among all CMNH corporate partners,helping to make Miracle Jean Day 2012 our most successful yearyet,” said Joe Dearborn, senior director for Credit Unions forKids.

This is the fourth year that CMNH has conducted Miracle JeansDay. In 2012, 535 credit unions participated, up 269% compared tothe 145 credit unions in 2009. The estimated $225,000 raised in2012 is a 325% increase compared to the $53,000 raised in 2009. Infour years, Miracle Jeans Day has raised $641,000 for CMNH.