Grocery shoppers across Tennessee were randomly blessed with free groceries courtesy of Tennessee credit unions on Wednesday through the Second Annual Grocery Giveaway Campaign. Credit unions provided more than $40,000 in free groceries to shoppers at 28 stores across the state.
“We are grateful to the nearly 200 credit union employees who exemplified the credit union mission of people helping people by volunteering for the Grocery Giveaway,” said Fred Robinson, president and CEO of the Tennessee Credit Union League, the trade association for Tennessee’s 127 credit unions. “The Grocery Giveaway is a testament to the incredible collaboration we have among Tennessee credit unions. You don’t see this type of camaraderie among other financial industries. This is truly the credit union difference.”
People Helping People
The Grocery Giveaway was strategically hosted one week before Thanksgiving. Volunteers heard stories of how appreciative the recipients were for the complimentary groceries. Some were buying food for their families and were surprised at the random act of kindness.
One team met a man and his children who were leaving the grocery store because he was waiting until he got paid.
“We chased him down and told him to go get what he needed for him and his family,” said Hannah Hutchins, marketing manager at Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union. “We also had the kids grab them a sweet treat, too. They were so thankful.”
Others were purchasing food for those in their communities.
“During our event, we met the office manager for Youth Villages,” said Joy Traxler, president and CEO of Collegedale Credit Union. “This is a group that works with foster care, and she was purchasing food for a meal for foster care youth who have aged out of the system (18-23 years old). They continue to work with them to make sure they succeed, and one thing they like to do is financial literacy.”
A lady in Kingsport was purchasing food for her church’s food pantry to feed 200 homeless individuals. Watch the story from WJHL.
League Chapter System
The League’s Chapter System coordinated the Grocery Giveaway. There are six credit union chapters in the state. The chapters host an array of professional development, networking and community involvement programs throughout the year, including the statewide Grocery Giveaway. We are grateful for the servant leadership of all chapter officers.
- Chattanooga Chapter of Credit Unions
- Hiwassee Chapter of Credit Unions
- Knoxville Area Chapter of Credit Unions
- Memphis Chapter of Credit Unions
- Middle Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions
- Northeast Tennessee Chapter of Credit Unions
If you are interested in learning more about your local credit union chapter, please email us.
Here are some photos from across the state.
