CVN May 2008, page 4
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
Hero Program
Reaches $20,000 Donation Milestone
Groundbreaking Program Honors U. S. Military
FAIRHAVEN, Mass., April 15, 2008 — Less than five months after its initiation, First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) today announced that it has donated more than $20,000 to local veteran’s organizations to date, thanks to the overwhelming success of its Hero Account program.
Announced in November 2007, the groundbreaking Hero Account was unveiled as a comprehensive package of banking services offering advantageous checking and savings rates, discounted personal, auto and home equity loan rates, reduced closing fees on mortgages, and a host of other personal financial services to any person currently serving or having served in any branch of the United States military.
Veterans Organizations Benefit
In order to further thank those members who served their country, First Citizens’ pledged to donate $50 to an approved veterans’ organization having a 501(c)3 designation for each new account opened. Organizations initially approved to receive funding included: Welcome Home Veterans Housing (www.veteranshousing.org), Homes for Our Troops (www.homesforourtroops.org), and the Falmouth Military Support Group (www.fmsgrp.org). Since then, First Citizens’ has also approved the Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center (www.middleboroughoutreach.org) as a designated member of the program.
“We were firm believers in the spirit of this program when we developed it and have been deeply gratified by the tangible results it has generated for these critical veterans’ organizations in time of war,” said Charles R. Simpson, Jr., FCFCU President and CEO. “Our credit union’s ability to makes these donations is purely a testament to our members who have rallied to support our region’s veterans. Because of that loyalty First Citizens’ will continue the Hero Account program for the foreseeable future, and we are proud to welcome the Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center as our latest program partner.”
About The Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center
The Middleborough Veteran Outreach Center (MVOC) is located at 61 Summer Street, Middleborough. As a primary advocacy center, the MVOC provides a host of services, including health and medical services, and life-saving transportation to U.S. veterans residing in 11 cities and towns along the Massachusetts South Coast.
“We are very excited to be able to participate in this extremely patriotic endeavor,” said Joseph Thomas, Center Director. “We are always in need of new funding sources to insure that we do not turn away any veteran in need. Because of First Citizens’ efforts on the Center’s behalf, we are hopeful that we can add to our service delivery capabilities.”
About First Citizens’
First Citizens' Federal Credit Union is one of the premier financial institutions in southeastern Massachusetts. With corporate offices in Fairhaven, Mass., First Citizens' traces its roots back to 1937 when it opened its doors as a credit union in Bristol County. Today, First Citizens' has grown both in size and strength. With more than 40,000 members and assets over $425 million, First Citizens' serves an area spanning from Seekonk to Cape Cod and the Islands, with full service offices in New Bedford, Raynham, Taunton, Falmouth, Hyannis and Orleans. The credit union offers a complete package of personal and business financial services and insurance products, including First@Work and complete on-line banking at www.firstcitizens.org. Direct account rate information is available at 800-991-4296.