More than 912 pounds of toiletries, food collected at LAFCU branches to help local charity
LANSING, Mich. — Thanks to the generosity of LAFCU members and the public, LAFCU’s month-long toiletries and food drive netted 912 pounds of donated items for an Eaton Rapids charity, Heart and Hands Inc.
The charity has been working with those impacted by the fire at Meridian Magnesium Products of America, an auto parts manufacturing plant in Eaton Rapids and the community’s largest employer.
Photo above: Surrounded by the 900 pounds of food and toiletries collected in the LAFCU toiletries and food drive for the Eaton Rapids community are Jordan McNeilly and Alyssa Sliger, with LAFCU’s marketing department; Eaton Rapids Mayor Paul Malewski; Heart and Hands Director Cathy Howell; Polly Cornish, manager of LAFCU’s Eaton Rapids and Mason branches; and Chrystal Murphy, manager of LAFCU’s South Lansing Branch.
“LAFCU and Heart and Hands opened their arms wide to help those affected by the fire at Meridian Magnesium,” said Paul Malewski, Eaton Rapids mayor. “Even a temporary closure of such a large employer has a ripple affect on our entire community for an extended period of time. Knowing we have this ‘safety net’ should be a great comfort and relief to all.”
Malewski said the brief closure of the manufacturer not only affected employees of the plant, but also those who work at support businesses, such as restaurants and other retail stores, that were not frequented as often or at all by plant employees.
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison, LAFCU chief marketing officer, said, “LAFCU is invested in the people and businesses of this community. When they hurt, we want to help. This is what credit unions are based upon … ‘people helping people.’ The outpouring of support by our members and the public shows they, too, embrace this principle.”
photo above: Chrystal Murphy, assistant vice president and manager of LAFCU’s South Lansing Branch, helps deliver goods to an Eaton Rapids charity. The items were collected during the credit union’s month-long toiletries and food drive to benefit those affected by the fire at Meridian Magnesium of America.
Heart and Hands Inc. helps meet emergency needs of those living within the Eaton Rapids Public Schools district. Through Oct. 1, the charity’s board of directors expanded service to any employee of Meridian Magnesium, no matter where they live.
Donations for the toiletries and food drive were collected at all LAFCU branch offices in June. Collection boxes were provided by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.
photo above: Polly Cornish, assistant vice president and manager of LAFCU Eaton Rapids and Mason branches, and Paul Malewski, Eaton Rapids mayor, stack goods at an Eaton Rapids charity. The items were collected during LAFCU’s month-long toiletries and food drive to benefit those affected by the fire at Meridian Magnesium of America.
# # #
About LAFCU Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves nearly 63,000 members and holds approximately $670 million in assets. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs and ITMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.
