RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This holiday season, more than 5,000 North Carolina soldiers stationed overseas will receive a bit of comfort and goodwill from home – a holiday gift package filled with wish list items donated by State Employees' Credit Union (SECU) members and heartfelt thank you letters handwritten by North Carolina school children.
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SECU Supports the Troops collection efforts began in mid-September at all 252 Credit Union branches and continued through the end of October. On Saturday, December 7th, the Credit Union wrapped up its 4th annual campaign as nearly 120 SECU staff and volunteers gathered at a Raleigh Operations Center to fill thousands of empty gift boxes with first aid items, games, snacks and toiletries. Boxes were topped off with cards and letters from N.C. students in appreciation for the soldiers' service to our Country, then packed and loaded into U.S. Postal Service trucks for delivery to military bases throughout the world.
Army Sergeant Odaliska Almonte, a recipient of SECU's holiday gift box during her 2012 deployment in Kuwait, was on hand for the event. She commented, "The care packages were great, especially all of the cards we received from children. They were the highlight of the box and many soldiers posted them over their bunks so they would be the first thing they would see – the cards just lifted your spirits."
"This is such an amazing project to be part of," said Jim Johnson, SECU Board Chair who volunteered on packing day. "SECU Supports the Troops would not happen without the generosity and volunteer efforts of our staff, member-owners, local schools and communities across the state. While our contributions are important to the success of the campaign, our efforts don't compare to the sacrifice of men and women serving and protecting our Country every day! Thanks to all involved who helped to send a little part of home to many military soldiers this holiday season!"
About SECU
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for over 76 years. With more than 1.8 million members, SECU provides services through 252 branch offices, 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Contact Centers and a website, www.ncsecu.org.
