Virginia's Credit Unions Donate $35,000 to State's Food Banks

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The Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia donated $35,000 to the state's food banks during an event on Dec. 7.

LYNCHBURG, VA (12/08/2010)(readMedia)-- Virginia-based credit unions have donated $35,000 to aid the state's food banks this holiday season.

The donation was made by the Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia, a nonprofit dedicated to the charitable, educational and community causes supported by Virginia's member-owned credit unions. The funds will be used by the Federation of Virginia Food Banks to aid its associated food banks all across the Commonwealth.

"This marks the largest single donation the Foundation has made to date, which was made possible by the financial support of Virginia's 190 not-for-profit credit unions," notes Credit Unions Care Foundation Chief Operating Officer David Miles. "We're proud to help our local food banks, which do a wonderful job fighting hunger in our communities. Our hope is that our donation will help our local food banks keep their shelves stocked this holiday season."

Leslie Van Horn, Executive Director of Virginia Food Banks, said the resources of the state's food banks are stretched thin as requests for food assistance soar. "People are struggling in this economy, with many individuals and families facing the grim reality of not knowing where their next meal may come from," said Van Horn. "Our food banks are working tirelessly to meet a growing need and we appreciate the support of Virginia's credit unions as we work to fulfill our mission."

The Federation of Virginia Food Banks is a state association of food banks affiliated with Feeding America®. The Federation is composed of the 7 regional Virginia and Washington D.C. food banks, consisting of facilities in 14 strategic locations. The Federation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation created to support the food banks in providing food, funding, education, advocacy, and awareness services and programs throughout the Commonwealth.

The primary mission of the food banks is to feed hungry Virginians. They distribute annually over 70 million pounds of products to 1,012,500 individuals through the 1,940 member agencies that directly serve those in need. These agencies operate programs such as soup kitchens, after school programs, senior centers and elderly feeding programs, the Kids Cafe® Program, and many more. Learn more about the Federation online at www.vafoodbanks.org.

Credit unions are community-focused organizations that believe strongly in giving back to the communities they call home. Collectively, Virginia's member-owned, not-for-profit credit unions donated more than $881,000 and 13,021 volunteer hours to charitable and community organizations in 2009, according to information compiled by the Virginia Credit Union League and the Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia.

The Credit Unions Care Foundation of Virginia was established in May 2009, and raised more than $100,000 for the causes it supports during its first year of operation. You can learn more about the Foundation online at www.creditunionscarefoundation.org.