ORNL Federal Credit Union (ORNL FCU) donated over 180 Google Chromebooks to the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley (BGCTNV), headquartered in Knoxville. Earlier this year, the credit union replaced its supply of Chromebooks.
The ORNL FCU leadership team decided to donate the Chromebooks to a local charity and voted on what organization would best benefit from the supply of laptops. It was an easy decision to select the BGCTNV—its mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential aligns with the credit union’s core community values and vision.
Heather Clayborne, IT access administration manager at ORNL FCU, understands the importance of today’s youth having access to technology in their quest for success.
Clayborne stated that the “donation of the 189 laptops to the Boys and Girls Club is more than just a gift—it’s an investment in the future of these young minds. By fulfilling a vital technology need throughout the region, we’re helping to ensure that these kids have access to the tools they need to succeed.”
According to Bart McFadden, president and CEO of BGCTNV, 10 club sites have recently been added to the organization’s service area, which also overlaps with the credit union’s community charter area. The club currently serves over 1,800 youth daily in 26 clubs.
“Having access to the tools to close the digital divide is something that is important in helping Boys & Girls Clubs prepare our members for their future,” said McFadden. “ORNL FCU has elevated our ability to do this significantly with this donation that will support our 7,500 kids across Anderson, Blount, Claiborne, Loudon and Knox Counties. With their help, more young people will be prepared to reach their full potential.”
ORNL FCU has supported the BGCTNV in various ways for many years, including event sponsorships, employee volunteerism and contributing to the club’s recently concluded capital campaign.
“As a volunteer over the last several years with the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley, I’ve seen firsthand the impact the club has on the lives of the youth in our area and I am proud to work for an organization that recognizes this impact,” said Chris Boler, ORNL FCU chief member experience officer. Boler also serves as vice chair of the advisory board for the BGCTNV’s DeBusk Family Club in North Knoxville.
About the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley
The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of the Tennessee Valley is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Serving youth and teens in grades K-12 across 26 clubs in five counties, the organization’s vision is to be the place for youth in East Tennessee that provides opportunities and relationships that builds their sense of belonging and unlocks their potential for success.
About ORNL Federal Credit Union
ORNL Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative locally owned and operated by its members for the benefit of all who belong. Established in 1948 with 10 founding members, ORNL Federal Credit Union’s assets have grown to over $4 billion and membership has grown to over 216,000. Open to businesses and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in 19 counties of East Tennessee, ORNL Federal Credit Union currently serves members in multiple branches located throughout Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Cocke, Hamblen, Knox, Loudon, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, Roane, Sevier and Union counties.
