With the coronavirus pandemic impacting the country, many non-profits have been stretched thin and need resources. In an effort to help make a difference, TruMark Financial® Credit Union launched its Concern for Community initiative.
Food insecurity across the country has risen significantly since the pandemic laid off 14 million workers in the United States from February to May, according to the Pew Research Center. Pantries have been struggling to keep the shelves replenished with nutritious staples. To help combat food insecurity, TruMark Financial will be donating $2,500 per month to Philabundance for a total of $30,000 in 2021.
In addition to the Philabundance donation, smaller monthly initiatives also are scheduled throughout the year. Each month the credit union will select different organizations to receive resources needed for their clients. Resources range from items like socks, hats, mittens, and backpacks to cleaning supplies for people transitioning into their own homes.
In January, to kick off the program, the credit union donated a total of 100 blankets to shelters in the five-county area. The following shelters each received a supply of blankets:
- Good Samaritan Services in Phoenixville
- Bethesda Project in Philadelphia
- Pathways Pa in Media
- Family Service Association of Bucks County
- Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line
A driving force behind the initiative is fulfilling one of the seven cooperative principles, Concern for Community. Other ways TruMark Financial gives back to the community is through its financial literacy program in which employees conduct workshops on topics such as saving, budgeting, credit, and investing at local schools and community organizations and its TruCommunity program where employees receive eight hours of paid time off to allow them to volunteer at a non-profit of their choice.
