Credit Union offers donations and financial assistance to those in need.

TUSTIN, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union today announced they are donating more than $220,000 in support of their Members and the educational community they serve. The donations are going to several organizations in the Southern California area that provide aid to those impacted by the fires, including organizations that support school employees and their families directly. These organizations include:

• California School Employees Association (CSEA) Assistance Fund
• California Teachers Association (CTA) Disaster Relief Fund
• Los Angeles Unified School District Education Foundation
• Greater Los Angeles Education Foundation, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Office of Education
• American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
• CUAid (The National Credit Union Foundation)

Beyond these organizations, SchoolsFirst FCU contributed additional donations directly to local schools.

"We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of first responders and volunteers who have worked around the clock to combat the fires and protect our communities," said Bill Cheney, chief executive officer of SchoolsFirst FCU. "We have many Members and teammembers who have been directly affected by the fires, losing their homes, neighborhoods, and schools. We are committed to standing by their side, offering support and resources to help them recover. We want to reassure our Members and the communities we serve that we are here for them during this incredibly challenging time."

Since the fires began, the Credit Union has continued to reach out to Members in the evacuation areas, offering support and guidance through a combination of disaster relief assistance, including goodwill funds, emergency relief personal loans, skips or deferments on loan and credit card payments, waived fees, and other lending assistance. "Unfortunately, we have been with our Members through these types of devastating situations too many times. Through these experiences, we have learned that the best way to be there for them is by working with each Member one-on-one to offer support tailored to their unique needs," said Cheney. SchoolsFirst FCU has identified more than 20,000 of its credit union Members who may have been affected by fires and evacuations in their communities.

"We are here to serve our Members throughout all of life's ups and downs, and we will be there for them as they rebuild," Cheney said. "Our support for our Members and the educational community is unwavering. It is moments like this that remind us how important it is to work together."

About SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union serving school employees, and once again Forbes has named SchoolsFirst FCU the top credit union in California. Serving school employees and their families, the organization is dedicated to delivering World-Class Personal Service and improving the financial lives of its Members. Today they serve more than 1.4 million Members with a full range of financial products and services. SchoolsFirst FCU was founded in 1934, when 126 school employees pooled $1,200 and established a Member-owned cooperative to help improve each other's lives. In 2024, the Credit Union reported more than $30 billion in assets and remains the largest credit union in California and the fourth largest credit union in the United States. For more information about SchoolsFirst FCU, visit schoolsfirstfcu.org. 

Insured by NCUA.

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SOURCE SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union