/24-7PressRelease/ - GEDDES, NY, August 19, 2008 — Providers Federal Credit Union is doing its part to help local families get their children ready for going back-to-school.
On Friday, August 22, the credit union will host "Going Back to School Day," giving away free back packs and school supplies to children who stop in.
The annual event started four years ago when CEO Mike Swanka realized there were a number of children in the area whose families found it difficult keeping up with the increased costs of school supplies.
Swanka contacted Solvay Union Free Schools and requested supply lists from teachers. Using those lists, he created supply packs for different grade levels. Pack items include pencil boxes, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, crayons and folders.
"When it started, this was a way I thought we could help our members," Swanka said. "Now that anyone in the Geddes community can be a member of our credit union, it has turned into a way we can help the community."
The board of directors backed Swanka with 100 percent support when he presented his idea.
"Education is too important to not have necessary supplies," Bill Mann, board chairman said. "We know children are our future and we also hope to create a relationship with them so that we can help teach them about money and saving and also to be financially responsible."
Swanka's idea and the credit union's generosity is paying off.
He's received dozens of thank you e-mails, letters and cards, some from parents who boast that their children do better in school because they are excited about starting the school year off with new supplies. Others parents are grateful children get their own pack and don't have to share supplies with siblings.
On top of that, it's a significant savings in their pockets.
"Sending children back to school is expensive," Swanka said. "In this economy with companies downsizing, gas and food prices increasing and energy costs skyrocketing, families are going to find it more difficult to buy school supplies."
That's why he stepped up the program this year and is giving away free back packs too.
The number of children receiving school supplies has just about doubled every year. Last year, more than 200 packs were handed out and that number is expected to rise even farther this year.
A credit union membership is not necessary to receive the supplies; however, the credit union does have accounts specifically designed for students that help children learn about money and become familiar with financial processes. The Bright Futures Kids Club rewards children for receiving good grades by paying them cash in the form of a savings tool to prepare them for college.
"We've had students graduate from high school and receive $700 in Bright Futures money," Swanka said. "It makes for a good start in paying for books or necessities when starting college."
The credit union also offers free scholarships every year through their Martin Willitts Scholarship Fund. This year s recipient was Abigail Hiza, a Bishop Ludden graduate who is attending Villanova University this fall.
The credit union is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to receive supplies. For more information about free supplies or credit union membership, contact the credit union at 315-468-0699.
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Credit Union Contact:
Mike Swanka
315-468-0699
mswanka@providersfcu.com
Media Contact:
Amber A. Spain, Spain Marketing Solutions
315-420-2985
spainaa@SpainMarketingSolutions.com
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