Throughout 2023, Freedom Credit Union contributed financial support to well over 70 charitable organizations throughout the four counties of western Massachusetts, donating a total of $181,898.
“Our members and staff are passionate about supporting the community where we live, work and serve,” said Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch. “In 2023, we were proud to donate funds for a wide variety of deserving institutions.”
Corporate charitable giving accounted for donations totaling $130,432.00, which benefitted local and regional organizations. Some of these included:
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Baystate Health Foundation
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Franklin County
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Hampden County
- Chicopee Boys and Girls Club
- Children’s Advocacy Center – Franklin County
- Children’s Advocacy Center – Hampshire County
- Cooley Dickinson Health Care
- Hispanic American Library
- Ludlow Boys and Girls Club
- Pioneer Valley Habit for Humanity
- Safe Passage
- Springfield Boys and Girls Club
- Springfield Museums
- Square One
- Viability
- West Springfield Boys and Girls Club
Throughout the year, Freedom also held a variety of “Month of Giving” campaigns to raise funds to support local organizations. Combined, the amount raised was $17,316. Organizations supported through “Month of Giving” campaigns in 2023 included:
- A Bed for Every Child
- The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
- Foundation for TJO Animals
- Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter
- Griffin’s Friends
- Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
- Unify Against Bullying
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- Western Mass Toys for Tots
- The Westover Galaxy Community Council
Local branch and department giving contributed an additional $34,150 to local charities.
“As a credit union, Freedom was founded on a cooperative spirit,” noted Welch. “We know that serving our members in a holistic way includes helping the whole community since we all rise together. Our efforts are continuing through 2024. Throughout February, we are asking the community to ‘Paws for a Cause’ and make cash donations to benefit the Foundation for TJO Animals in Springfield and Franklin County Regional Dog Shelter in Greenfield.”