In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, United Southeast Federal Credit Union team members have come together to support those impacted by the devastating storm. Their commitment to helping others has been displayed in numerous ways, from organizing volunteer efforts to delivering donations directly to affected homes.
Delivering Hope, One Home at a Time
Recognizing the immediate needs of many hurricane victims, the Credit Union mobilized volunteers to personally deliver essential items to homes across the Smyth County Virginia community. A team of USFCU team members and Board members packed and distributed donations that included bottled water, food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and baby essentials to residents struggling with power outages and property damage.
This hands-on approach provided not only physical supplies but also a much-needed sense of care and connection for families navigating the aftermath of the storm. “We wanted to make sure that no one felt alone during this difficult time,” shared Amanda Currin, USFCU board member. “Delivering these items personally allowed us to see how much people appreciated the support.”
Volunteering at Donation Centers and Collecting Essential Items
The Credit Union also partnered with local organizations to assist at emergency donation centers. Team members provided manpower to sort, pack and distribute donated items. They were also able to provide a hot meal to families affected by Hurricane Helene.
In addition to their on-the-ground volunteer work, USFCU initiated a collection drive. The collected items were then delivered to donation centers in the impacted areas.
Supporting Fellow Credit Unions with Lunches and Snack Bags
In a heartfelt gesture, United Southeast provided lunches and snack bags to fellow credit unions who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the tireless efforts of their peers, United Southeast organized a delivery of lunches and snack bags to these credit unions as a gesture of support and encouragement.
This small but meaningful act reinforced the cooperative spirit that is central to the credit union movement, reminding their peers that they are not alone in their recovery efforts.
Spreading the Message of “Appalachia Strong”
USFCU proudly embraced the “Appalachia Strong” message, distributing custom pins with the slogan to their team members and Credit Union members. These pins became a symbol of resilience and unity, worn as a reminder of the strength and perseverance that the Appalachia region is known for. These pins served as a reminder of the strength and unity that define the Appalachia spirit. By wearing and sharing these pins, the credit union helped spread a message of resilience, demonstrating that, together, the community can weather any storm and rebuild stronger than before.
A Legacy of Service
USFCU’s efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene exemplify the values of community, service, and compassion that are at the core of its mission. By volunteering at donation centers, delivering supplies to homes, collecting items, supporting fellow credit unions, and spreading a message of strength and unity, the credit union has displayed the “People Helping People” philosophy.
“At United Southeast, we believe that community is at the heart of everything we do. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we knew we had to act swiftly and compassionately to support those impacted.” said Shelly Brown, USFCU president/CEO. “We’re proud to stand behind our mission statement of “Helping Our Members Live Better Lives” each and every day.”
As the region continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, USFCU remains committed to providing ongoing support, demonstrating that in times of crisis, community and cooperation are more important than ever. Through these efforts, USFCU has proven once again that its mission goes far beyond financial services—it is a pillar of hope and resilience for those it serves.
