Northwest FCU Recognized for Support of Local Homeless Shelter

RESTON, VA (12/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Northwest Federal Credit Union 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.

The credit union's award-winning entry highlighted its Embry Rucker Community Shelter Donation Program, which provided needed items to the local shelter for the homeless. Initially, the program was used to collect simple household items to aid the shelter in its daily operations. As interest in the program took off among credit union employees, the credit union began focusing on seasonal and specific items that the shelter requested.

The Embry Rucker Donation program impacted an estimated 141 people and enabled the shelter to meet its operational needs.

"By supporting the work of our community shelter, we're giving back to those who need a hand up," says Northwest Federal Credit Union President/CEO Gerrianne Burks. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our employees to take stock of what they can provide to our local homeless shelter, helping it fulfill its mission. While the concept of the program was simple, it proved impactful and provided us an opportunity to give back to our community."

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.

Northwest Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving select government employees and 500-plus companies throughout Northern Virginia. Established in 1947 and headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, NWFCU is dedicated to providing financial services and education to its members and the community. The credit union currently serves more than 108,000 members and has assets in excess of $2 billion. For more information, visit www.nwfcu.org.