Adopt-A-Soldier Program Earns Community Service Award for Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation

HERNDON, VA (11/05/2010)(readMedia)-- The Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation has won Honorable Mention in the state Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program for credit unions. The Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program, sponsored by the Virginia Credit Union League and the Credit Union National Association, honors credit unions for their involvement in community projects and activities.

In support of Military Appreciation Month, NWFCU launched an Adopt-A-Soldier program that provided more than 600 pounds of snacks, entertainment items and other goods in care packages for troops serving overseas. What began as a program to provide troops with journals and words of encouragement from home blossomed into the care package program and long-term e-mail friendships between NWFCU employees and troops overseas.

The credit union's award-winning project challenged employees to find unique fundraising ideas and helped NWFCU employees express their appreciation to the brave men and women serving in the nation's military.

"This was a unique opportunity to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military men and women," said Gerrianne Burks, Chairman of Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation and President/CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union. "Beyond sharing some of the comforts of home with troops overseas, it also brought our staff members closer together as they shared their own experiences in the military or noted how their own family members and friends are in harm's way in service to our nation."

Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation • www.nwfcufoundation.org • 703.925.5094 • toll-free 1.800.336.3384

The Foundation was established in 2004 to promote and manage Northwest Federal Credit Union's philanthropic activities as well as to direct financial literacy and other charitable programs, which reflect the interests of its membership and the communities it serves. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permissible by law for those who itemize deductions.

The competition is named after Dora Maxwell, a credit union pioneer, who worked with several organizations to improve the living standards of the poor and needy.