The holiday season is a time of warmth, reflection, family, and—perhaps most of all—generosity. Giving back in ways big and small is what the season is all about, whether that’s providing for friends and family or members of your community.
To celebrate that spirit of giving, we want to share some examples from around the financial community that warmed our hearts.
MSU Federal Credit Union
For our first example, we had the pleasure of speaking with Arianna Ridderbusch, Vice President of Community Impact at MSUFCU, and when asked about the importance of giving back as a financial institution, she had this to say:
“We make [giving back] a part of who we are because we want our communities to be thriving and happy, and the only way to achieve that is when we all work together.”
To her, driving connection between people is what drives whole communities. Two examples of that philosophy are MSUFCU’s Giving Tree and Pay It Forward Week in celebration of their anniversary.
The Giving Tree
For the Giving Tree, MSUFCU partners with non-profits around Michigan to collect wish lists that are posted inside branches for members to find. Members then select a gift from the tree to purchase that will be delivered to the child who wished for it. This decade-long initiative has created lasting connections with community organizations and has led to ongoing support throughout the year, as well.
Pay It Forward Week
For Pay It Forward Week, MSUFCU donates $100 for every year they’ve been in business to random acts of kindness. Employee volunteers strike out on the town to pay for peoples’ coffee, buy someone a meal, or pick up a grocery tab. This type of grassroots effort represents a tangible (and pleasantly surprising) way to give back—both with volunteer time and gifting. This year, MSUFCU is giving away $8,700 to celebrate 87 years in business.
San Diego Country Credit Union
For the 13th consecutive year, SDCCU has supported local organizations like the San Diego Humane Society, Animal Friends of the Valleys, and the Home Free Animal Rescue and Sanctuary to provide for shelter animals in need with its Presents for Paws donation drive.
Last holiday season, Presents for Paws surpassed its donation goal to raise over $40,000 for local animals in San Diego, Orange, and Riverside counties. SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Campbell voiced her support for the fundraiser by saying, “SDCCU loves our cuddly companions. We remain committed to supporting animal shelters and rescues in our communities.”
Oregon State Credit Union
A big part of many holiday traditions is food. Oregon State Credit Union embraces this by holding a Holiday Food Drive to help families and pets in need within their community. To do this, OSCU partners with local food banks to collect donations at its branches which are then provided to local families and animal shelters.
Travis Credit Union
Another way of giving back—especially as a financial institution—is to empower people to reach their dreams through donations and financial wellness education. Through their Travis Credit Union Foundation, TCU provides grants to local non-profits that celebrate community heroes by reducing their student loan debt.
Robins Financial Credit Union
To celebrate 70 years of serving their community, Robins Financial Credit Union is giving back to over 70 local organizations that make their home of Milledgeville the tight-knit town that it is. One such organization is Cafe Central, which provides a safe place and warm food for folks who are in need.
Happy holidays from Franklin Madison
Whether it’s the holiday season or just another week, the spirit of gratitude and love of community that these businesses show is both empowering and inspiring.
We hope these examples sparked as much joy for you as they did for us. If you are feeling inspired, find us on social to let us know how you’ll be giving back in 2025. We’ll see you there!