Credit Unions Care Foundation Picks Virginia-Based Food Banks as Charity-of-Choice for 2015
CONTACT:
Lewis Wood
Vice President of Public Relations and Communication
800.768.3344, ext. 629
lwood@vacul.org
The Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia, the charitable arm of Virginia-based credit unions, has chosen the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and its affiliated food banks as the Foundation's charity-of-choice for 2015.
The Foundation will encourage credit unions across the commonwealth to raise funds, volunteer and sponsor food drives for their area food banks. In addition, any funds raised by the Foundation's Community Involvement Committee will support local food banks.
"The Foundation's designation of local food banks as our charity-of-choice only expands what has been a growing partnership for more than a decade," said David Miles, chief operating officer of the Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia. "Credit unions have long supported Virginia's food banks and local food pantries and we look forward to deepening that relationship. We recognize that our local food banks face significant challenges in fighting hunger in our local communities, as families continue to struggle in today's economy."
Next year, the Foundation's Community Involvement Committee will partner with the Federation's seven regional food banks in fundraising, food collection and volunteer projects. The Foundation has supported local food banks with donations of more than $41,000 during the past five years.
"The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is very pleased to have the support of our local credit unions," said Leslie Van Horn, the Federation's executive director. "Local food banks need help as never before. Food assistance requests continue to increase and our network of food banks works diligently to raise food and funds to ensure no one goes hungry in Virginia."
The Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to furthering credit unions' social mission by supporting financial education initiatives, promoting charitable giving and by working to build stronger communities through community development grants. Learn more about the Foundation online at www.creditunionscarefoundation.org.
Virginia-based credit unions raised more than $2 million during its 12-year partnership with its previous charity-of-choice, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.
The primary mission of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and its network is to feed hungry Virginians. Last year, the Federation’s network distributed more than 142 million pounds of products to more than 1 million individuals through more than 1,900 member agencies that directly serve those in need. These agencies operate programs such as soup kitchens, after school programs, senior centers and elderly feeding programs, the Kids Cafe® Program, Head Start, transitional housing, mental health programs, homeless and domestic violence shelters, and individual household distribution. Learn more about the Federation online at http://vafoodbanks.org/