Eastman Credit Union (ECU) has pledged $200,000 to support flood relief and recovery efforts throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
“Many communities have expressed their deep gratitude for the immediate support they’re receiving while also reminding us of the long road ahead,” said Kelly Price, president and CEO of Eastman Credit Union. “At ECU, we stand committed to assisting the agencies on the front lines and have established plans to continue supporting agencies and the affected communities in the months and years to come.”
The initial donation of $150,000 will be divided among several organizations. Well-known organizations like the Second Harvest Food Banks of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, United Ways of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross are among the initial recipients.
Two lesser-known entities will also receive funds from the initial donation: Region AHEAD and the Credit Union Staff Relief Fund. Region AHEAD (Appalachian Highlands Economic Directory) Small Business Flood Recovery fund supports small businesses in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. The Northeast Tennessee Chapter of the Tennessee Credit Union League set up a Credit Union Staff Relief Fund for credit union employees suffering from the effects of storm damage.
ECU’s donations do not stop there.
“Our employees immediately stepped up, asking how they could contribute,” said Price. “We’ve launched a few ways for our staff to support our hurting communities. One internal initiative will support the Coalition for Kids Backpack Toy Drive, and another is an extension of our employee-giving program called Casual for a Cause. We’re also providing staff paid time off to volunteer.”
ECU purchased 250 backpacks for the toys and personal care items that the employees are collecting. Coalition for Kids is a local nonprofit that serves school-aged children in Johnson City, Washington County and Bristol schools through afterschool programs. The organization is reallocating some staff members to visit shelters and help children during this difficult time.
“These families have lost it all,” said Price. “We hope these backpacks will help bring smiles to the faces of the children.”
Another option for ECU employees is an extension of ECU’s employee-supported giving program, Casual for a Cause. Price extended the program through year-end and added some special upgrades given the disaster relief.
“Our communities will need funds well into next year and beyond,” said Price. “Most of our employees participate in Casual for a Cause, and we’re already hearing that they’re eager to support the extended program. These efforts will provide a sizeable donation for organizations in January of 2025.”
When all is said and done, ECU will contribute at least $50,000 more to the relief and recovery efforts above and beyond their employees’ contributions.
“If there’s ever been a time to help our neighbors, it’s now,” said Price.
ECU is also offering members the opportunity to donate to the American Red Cross or Second Harvest Food Bank at our teller line or when they contact ECU.
For members affected by the storm who need financial help, ECU offers an emergency loan program, payment deferrals, and other options that offer immediate assistance.
“We know we have many members impacted by this horrific storm, some in small ways and some in devastatingly significant ways,” said Price. “We are offering members assistance through our HELP program that provides members disaster relief funds through reduced rate loans and other programs to help members get back on their feet. This long-standing program at ECU has never been more important than it is today, with Helene devastating the region we call home.”
About Eastman Credit Union
Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee with 30 branches in Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. ECU is one of the nation’s top 50 largest credit unions, with over 337,000 members and more than 1,000 workers serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas. For more information about ECU, visit ecu.org. Funds are federally insured by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.
