Keesler Federal Credit Union has a long history of giving back to the communities it serves and recently initiated a new program to help children in need.
The credit union donated rolling duffle bags filled with supplies to 2,876 foster children in three states. The children are under the care of CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates.
Keesler Federal volunteers worked over three days packing each duffle bag with a blanket, dental kit, nightlight with USB ports, and a notebook and pen.
Samantha Bignell, Community Development Officer at Keesler Federal, said the goal was to make the children’s moves into foster care homes easier and less stressful.
“Sometimes when they move, they don’t have their own travel bag. They have to put their items in a trash bag,” said Bignell. “So, it’s important to us to help these children feel like they are important, like they have an identity.”
The rolling duffle bags and supplies were distributed throughout various markets, including the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mobile, AL., Hattiesburg and Jackson, MS.
“They can put their name on the bag and take it with them wherever they go,” said Bignell. “The blanket is theirs; it has only been used by them. Those are things that make these children feel like they matter. We chose the rolling bags so even the little ones can walk with their items by themselves and be independent.
“We enjoy giving back to our communities, and it’s even more special if you can do something to help a child.”
Keesler Federal undertakes a number of community initiatives throughout the year. Major projects include Backpacks for Bright Futures for incoming kindergarteners, First Responder of the Year recognition and the Eagles Under the Oaks Golf Tournament which last year raised more than $100,000 for Combat Wounded Veterans of South Mississippi.
About Keesler Federal Credit Union
Established in 1947, Keesler Federal is a dynamic, stable, financially strong credit union dedicated to building a better community, one member, one relationship, one financial solution at a time. With over $4.2 billion in assets and $1 billion in new loans annually, Keesler Federal is the largest Mississippi-based credit union and the 80th largest nationally. The not-for-profit financial cooperative is owned by its more than 295,000 members worldwide and has 39 locations throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Jackson, Hattiesburg, Mobile, and greater New Orleans markets. Keesler Federal proudly serves the financial needs of people from all walks of life, and membership is widely available to thousands who live, work, worship, or attend school in these areas.