Seventeen Kansas credit unions gave away $23,000 to more than900 consumers during the third annual “Make A Difference” statewideevent last week to promote the credit union philosophy of “peoplehelping people,” said the Kansas Credit Union Association.

“We don't do any advance promotion for these events,” said SusanDyer, KCUA communications director. ”We feel our efforts havethe greatest impact when it's unexpected. We just want to brightensomeone's day and hope that those on the receiving end pass it on,so it has a ripple effect in the community.”

Representatives from participating credit unions randomlysurprised consumers by giving away cash, gift cards or free gas as10 different locations throughout the state.

Naturally, consumer reactions have been positive with lots ofsmiles, 'thank yous,' and even a few hugs, said Dyer.

Credit union participation in the Make a Difference event hasgrown. The first annual event included nine credit unions and 11credit unions participated in the second annual event, Dyersaid.

The 17 participating credit unions that participated in thisyear's Make a Difference event included:

• the $32 million Ark Valley Credit Union in Arkansas City;
• the $75 million Central Star Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $227 million Cessna Employees Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $186 million Educational Credit Union in Topeka;
• the $63 million Emporia State Federal Credit Union inEmporia;
• the $29 million EquiShare Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $63 million Kansas State University Federal Credit Union inManhattan;
• the $343 million Mainstreet Credit Union in Lenexa;
• the $18 million Medical Community Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $889 million Meritrust Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $219 million Mid American Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $21 million New Century Credit Union in Topeka;
• the $273 million Quest Credit Union in Topeka;
• the $19 million Reliance Credit Union in Kansas City;
• the $70 million TECU Credit Union in Wichita;
• the $37 million United Northwest Federal Credit Union inNorton, and,
• the $8 million United Credit Union in Ness City.