Today is Giving Tuesday, and America First Credit Union recognizes one special person in the community. With 77 years of servicing members, America First has become one of the largest and most progressive credit unions in the country. Today they honor a deserving individual Tsikki Thau!
This segment is sponsored by America First Credit Union
The FOX5 Surprise Squad met Margaret Payne over the summer during a surprise mission at Albertsons. When offered her surprise, Payne wanted to pay it forward instead, saying she doesn’t have a family around for all of those groceries. Fast forward to Thanksgiving week and the Surprise Squad sought out “Ms. Margaret” to make sure she has a family this holiday. Thanks to our Surprise Squad partners United Nissan, America First Credit Union and Albertsons/Vons.
It pays to be nice!  A sweet homecoming proposal at Shadow Ridge High School gets the attention of the FOX5 Surprise Squad … and OMG! what a memorable night it turns out to be. Daniel Rivas, 17, has Down Syndrome and dreamed of going to the dance but was turned down. So Kylie Fronius, a 10th grader steps up. Her simple act of kindness prompts a night of surprises no one could have imagined!
An aunt writes the FOX5 Surprise Squad about her 11-year-old nephew who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and now desperately awaiting a bone marrow match. Â You won’t believe how the Squad turned this little warrior into an MVP!
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The holidays are nearly here and while many of our thoughts turn to giving, online thieves are focused on how much they can take, with a host of schemes to rob us of our information, money & seasonal good cheer.
Here are a few tips to avoid becoming a victim during this time of year:
∙ Mobile SMS fraud — Sent via text, these messages contain dangerous links encouraging you to update or install an app, infecting your device with malware.
∙ Shopping schemes — Too-good-to-be true offers and steep discounts on must-have items may originate from phony sites. You could also encounter fake contests on social media designed to get your personal information or proliferate spyware.
∙ Traveling blues — If you’re planning a trip to visit family or going on a winter getaway, scammers know it. They’re hoping to catch you by offering you fraudulent travel deals or sending spam. Be on the lookout for these tactics.
∙ Dangerous greetings — When you get an electronic card, be careful before you click. Some of these contain viruses.
∙ Doing our part — Be sure to go here for updates regarding how we are constantly working to safeguard your resources.
By John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer
On a recent visit to one of the country’s larger cities, I arrived several hours prior to my first meeting. With the extra time, I decided to go for a walk/run in an effort to get my daily steps in.
As I headed down the street, I came upon a small park with a three-lane, quarter-mile track around the perimeter, which made it the ideal place to exercise without having to deal with traffic, etc.
During my first lap, I noticed an older gentleman pushing a young man in a wheelchair who was mentally & physically disabled. The two were softly conversing, with the boy smiling and clearly pleased to have the company. On another turn, I saw the man massaging the shoulders and neck of his younger companion. The next time around, the gentleman had moved to a location offering a different view. This heartfelt interaction between the two continued the entire hour I spent at the park.
By himself, this young man couldn’t experience the basic joys of life many of us take for granted. Yet this kind gentleman intuitively perceived how he could help the boy savor this valuable time outside on beautiful warm afternoon.
As I made my way around and around the track, time seemed to pass much more quickly as I forgot about my minor aches and pain by focusing on the beautiful act of service I saw. I felt a powerful sense of gratitude toward this gentleman. It was inspirational witnessing such thoughtful and tender service. This motivated me to think a little bit less about myself and to be more sensitive to the needs of others.
During November, we celebrate Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving. Hopefully, we can all pause to recognize and openly thank those who have served this country and those who are now defending our freedom all over the world. Gratitude is a simple yet powerful force for good and we can always be generous in displaying it.
I hope each of you has a wonderful season. We appreciate your membership in and loyalty to America First. We look forward to a lifetime relationship.
