Tennessee Credit Unions Bless Shoppers with More Than $62,000 in Free Groceries, Exemplifying People Helping People Philosophy

Credit unions throughout Tennessee spread holiday cheer by blessing shoppers with more than $62,000 in free groceries during a two-day Grocery Giveaway Campaign. The giveaway is a collaborative initiative by Tennessee credit unions to help make holiday meals accessible and offset rising food costs.

Shoppers at 32 grocery stores throughout the state were blessed with free groceries courtesy of Tennessee credit unions. The statewide Grocery Giveaway Campaign exemplifies the credit union mission of people helping people.

Here’s feedback from credit union volunteers.

“It’s been a great day,” said Vicki Gobble, CFO at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union. “Serving in our industry is a privilege. Today, we collaborated with local credit unions to give back in a meaningful way. We’re fortunate that we can come together and do this for our community.”

“We had 4 employees at two locations in Lynchburg,” said Pam Case, CEO of Jack Daniel Employees’ Credit Union. “Several individuals were thrilled to receive assistance with their grocery bill or have all their items paid for. Some of the sweetest hugs and comments explaining that this was such a blessing. Employees at both locations enjoyed seeing the spirit of people helping people. They were thrilled to see customers who they knew were struggling receive assistance. What a blessing that day was.”

“It was a blessing and a joy to be part of seeing our community grocer embrace our presence and appreciate their customers being loved on,” said Brenda Bellar, CEO of The Credit Union for Robertson County.

“Thankful and blessed that my credit union was spreading kindness by surprising people and paying for their groceries,” said Lisa Gregory, director of asset protection and recovery at The Credit Union for Robertson County. “The smiles, the tears and the thank yous we received made my heart full today! People helping people, that is what it is all about! Giving hope and spreading kindness.”

“Heather Stewart, COO of Northeast Community Credit Union, took Mrs. Dunn by surprise and paid for her groceries on behalf of Tennessee credit unions,” said Andrea DeMoss, business development and event coordinator at Northeast Community Credit Union. “Mrs. Dunn grabbed her cart with the biggest smile. As she was leaving with tear-filled eyes, she told me today makes ten years since her husband passed away. She said Christmas was his favorite holiday and our mission of people helping people reminded her of why he loved Christmas so much.”

“The South Knoxville location was able to help 31 shoppers today and spent every single dime for a total of $2,300,” said Heather Gardner, business development manager at Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union. “We were so appreciative to be part of this tremendous event! This was truly rewarding and humbling. Thank you for including us as part of this experience. I must also add that Food City was absolutely tremendous to work with today. The staff was wonderful!”

“We watched one man as he traveled through the store and he was obviously counting how much he was spending,” said Sandra Griffis, manager at CN/IC Employees Credit Union. “When we told him we wanted to pay for his groceries he wanted to know ‘What’s the catch? No one ever gives anything away.’ We explained that the credit union philosophy is people helping people. He was very thankful.”

Watch a News Segment of the Giveaway

WJHL in Johnson City captured the thoughts of two Grocery Giveaway recipients. Watch the segment.

Thank You

The Tennessee Credit Union League is thankful for the more than 175 credit union professionals from six Credit Union Chapters who volunteered their time to help execute the Grocery Giveaway campaign! We hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

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