SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – KSL TV has two High 5 shoutouts today, one for a crossing guard who brings some entertainment to the students heading to school, and one for an elementary principal and his neighbors who make the holiday better for others.
In Provo, Amy Wilcox is bringing lots of smiles to her neighborhood in a tough year.
She helps kids safely cross the street at 3450 North and Canyon Road – and she does it while fueling holiday cheer to everyone around.
KSL TV viewer Rebecca Weaver said Wilcox dresses up for the holidays. She wore a different costume every day through October, dressed up as Uncle Sam on Election Day, and is now dressing up as Santa and other characters from classic Christmas stories.
In West Valley City, Pioneer Elementary School principal Doug Johnson and his neighbors decided to forgo handing out gifts to each other and instead had what they called a “Night of Sharing.”
It’s the fourth year they’ve done this.
They gathered gifts and other items that parents and students at Pioneer Elementary could use during the holiday season. Then, the elementary held a gift drop-off event where families drove through, dropped off gifts, and got a picture with Santa.
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – It’s Wednesday, and that means KSL is once again highlighting the goodness and generosity right here in Utah. This morning, those positive vibes of volunteerism are coming from Sanpete County.
Kay Jensen has one piece of advice for people feeling down and out that may be struggling during this pandemic.
“There’s no way to feel better about yourself and about life and the world than to help somebody else,” said Kay Jensen, chairman of the Sanpete Humanitarian Council.
She’s been helping the people of Sanpete County for decades as a nurse, volunteer, organizer and mentor.
As chairman of the Sanpete Humanitarian Council, Jensen sees the direct result of her work — the “Sub 4 Santa” program, “Tree of Angels” and youth service organization bless the lives of those who are less fortunate.
And it really all comes down to paying it forward after helping hands are extended.
“They always end up coming back and paying back,” Jensen said. “If a good deed is done to them, it’s not long until they’re coming in and picking angels and they’re making stuff for Christmas and paying back.”
The council is a humble group with little more online presence than a Facebook page. But that doesn’t stop them from making a big impact, which is why Jensen nominated for a KSL High 5.
“A lot of folks down there in Sanpete (County) believe that you are that angel for so many families. What do you say to them?” KSL’s Dan Spindle asked.
“Oh, well that is so sweet of you and them. I don’t feel like I’m an angel. But I do feel like that I open a lot of doors, especially for young people,” she said.
Our friends at America First Credit Union loved what Jensen is doing, so they sent her a gift card to say thank you and help out especially this time of year.
By John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer
We have all probably experienced seeing someone in need, but may have felt helpless, lacking the resources or ability to intervene. We also likely know others who find a way to lend comfort, no matter the circumstances. One such person is named Dale and, with his permission, I will share some of his story.
Dale has faced many significant challenges and knows what it’s like to be desperate, out of work, without transportation, lacking hope, and fearing what comes next. He battled substance abuse and addiction for over 20 years. A farm-related accident left him seriously injured, spending 56 days in the hospital and another six months in a wheelchair.
While never technically homeless, Dale is familiar with sleeping in barns, vehicles, and temporary shelters. He gives much of the credit for turning his life around to the fine people in his community and church. They offered support, hosted him for dinner, provided counseling, training, and assistance in gaining employment & housing.
He now resides in the central part of Ogden, Utah. Going about his daily activities, Dale not only noticed but befriended many in the homeless population. He quickly recognized there wasn’t much he could do to address the many issues they faced; however, he still wanted to make a small difference in their lives.
With cold weather on the way, Dale decided to gather warm clothing, reaching out to those who had offered him so much when he was at risk. Using email, texts, social media and word of mouth, there was an outpouring of donated blankets, coats, sweaters, boots, socks, gloves, hats, backpacks, and more. The contributions were amazing and much was accomplished to brighten the day and season for these deserving individuals.
My wife approached Dale to thank him for giving so many of us this service opportunity. She was touched by his response. First, he was humble about organizing the effort, saying he learned firsthand from his friends about thinking of others rather than himself. For those who are homeless, he explained, it’s a struggle to stay warm and clean. They want self-respect like everyone else.
Dale’s compassion was strongly evident to my wife. He said that during the summer, if he ever had a little extra money, he would buy cold drinks and hand them out. The drinks they find on the street are usually warm and not very good, but a cold soda was so much more refreshing and made them feel more normal.
I feel personally blessed to count Dale as a friend and I’m honored to learn from his example. I was reminded to put myself in another’s shoes and recognize the positive influence we can have if we just try. This is a special season, one in which we tend to think more of others. Just as Dale has, I hope we can all be more sensitive to and considerate of those around us, not only during this time of celebration, but throughout the year.
Our mission at America First is to improve the membership’s financial well-being, stay relevant and sensitive to individual needs, and serve you in the manner that best suits your situation. We remain committed to this ideal and look forward to a lifetime relationship with you and your family. Happy holidays and best wishes for a safe and meaningful new year.
America First Credit Union invites community to experience award-winning display at Ogden Christmas Village, Riverdale, UT November 25, 2020
Each year, Christmas Village illuminates Ogden’s downtown area with magnificent displays and holiday lights from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through January 1. This year, America First Credit Union invites you to experience its award winning display which is one of hundreds of tiny cottages decorated to create a winter wonderland at the Ogden Municipal Gardens.
Earlier this year, America First was honored with a Multifaceted Marketing Award for the Ogden Christmas Village Cottage at the Credit Union National Association’s 2020 Diamond Awards, which recognizes outstanding marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry.
The magical cottage features a scene set with a family of snowmen – a mom, dad and two kids at night in Snowybook Forest and includes an animated storybook that flips pages as onlookers take in the enchanting display.
We’re glad to be part of the magic of Ogden Christmas Village, said John Coombs, America First Art Director who is the designer behind the cottage. We’re thrilled at how the cottage turned out and the happiness it brings to people who see it. We invite you to come experience it for yourself.
A behind-the-scenes look into the concepting and building of the cottage can be found here.
America First Credit Union’s Snowybook Forest display at Ogden’s Christmas Village
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 81 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $14.1 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,154,000 members.
America First Credit Union donates $19,000 to feed 78,072 Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada families
Riverdale, UT – Nov. 23, 2020 – With Thanksgiving around the corner and food banks still struggling to receive food donations to keep up with the growing need, America First Credit Union (AFCU) is donating more than 63,000 meals to the Utah Food Bank for families struggling to access to food during these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional 16,548 meals were donated to other agencies, including Three Square Food Bank serving families in Clark County, Nevada.
From Sept. 8 to Oct. 30, monetary donations were collected for the credit union’s annual food drive from AFCU staff, members and community, and the credit union also donated an additional $5,000. This was the first year AFCU hosted a monetary donation drive to support local food banks. In years past, canned goods had been collected at each of the credit union’s 128 locations. In total, employees and members have donated more than 78,072 meals in addition to 200,000 pounds of food to Utah and Southern Nevada families over the past 16 years.
The money donated to the Utah Food Bank and other agencies will be used to feed families in need across Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Southern Nevada.
“This year we saw a huge demand for food assistance. To be responsible to the needs our communities, we made changes to our annual food drive due to COVID-19 by moving from canned good donations at our branches to online donations, but we knew this year is more important than ever to help local families in need,” said Nicole Cypers, AFCU vice president of PR and governmental relations. “Thanks to our wonderful employees and members, who donated to be able to provide meals to our food-insecure neighbors.”
“Thank you to America First Credit Union for your understanding of the issues of hunger in Utah,” Jeanette Bott, Utah Food bank president. “America First has collectively given throughout the state of Utah 359,637 meals since we established our partnership in 1998. Thank you for the extended help, in addition to what you’ve done this year. ”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the hunger crisis in Southern Nevada — nearly 440,000 residents, or one in five, are now food-insecure,” said Three Square Food Bank President and CEO Brian Burton. “We are incredibly thankful to America First Credit Union who has been our steadfast partner in the fight against hunger since 2017, allowing us to leverage their gift as a matching challenge to the community every year, providing an additional 90,000 meals to our neighbors in need.”
The credit union is donating $15,381 to Utah Food bank food to help individuals and families struggling with food insecurity. A virtual check presentation was presented on Nov.12 to Bott by Cypers (CLICK HERE to watch the video).
According to Feeding America, the nation’s premiere food insecurity program, food banks are feeding nearly 60 percent more people during the COVID-19 pandemic than they were in June 2019. At the same time, many food banks are seeing decreased donations from the grocery stores and manufacturers that helped them in the past.
America First Credit Union is donating more than 79,548 meals to food banks in Utah, Idaho, Arizona and Nevada. A virtual check presentation for $15,381 was presented to Jeanette Bott, Utah Food bank president (right) by Nicole Cypers, AFCU vice president of public relations (left).
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 81 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $14.1 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,154,000 members.
America First Credit Union Continues Legacy of Supporting Veterans by Donating Items for Care Packages
Credit Union Participates in “Hope for Our Heroes” Campaign Dropping Care Packages
LAS VEGAS – Nov. 17, 2020 – Southern Nevada veterans were treated to a socially distanced caravan in which various community groups, including America First Credit Union (AFCU), dropped off much needed supplies. Veterans also witnessed a parade to thank them for their service during the “Hope for Our Heroes” campaign, which was organized by KTNV TV ABC 13.
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, AFCU business development representative Frank Tavares participated in the caravan visiting older veterans living in assisted living at the Nevada State Veterans Home. To combat the adverse effects of isolation during this global health pandemic, the credit union was one of several groups dropping off 300 care packages filled with goodies including blankets, books, lip balm, sanitizer, tissue, cards, letters and cookies.
“Veterans are one of our country’s greatest assets,” said AFCU president and CEO, John B. Lund. “Now more than ever, veterans need support. It’s a true honor and privilege to help veterans who have done so much for our country. America First Credit Union will continue to support programs that honor our veterans and the service that they provided to our country while making a deep impact on the critical needs that exist in our community.”
To provide much needed support to the more than 150,000 veterans living in Clark County, Nevada, this holiday season, the credit union sponsored the event that partnered with Honor Flight Southern Nevada and Kline Veterans Fund to combat emotional duress.
AFCU is a longtime supporter of veterans. Employees have volunteered with Honor Flight of Southern Nevada (HFSN) by sending guardians on missions to escort veterans to Washington, D.C., for a tour of the memorials. HFSN flies veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War on all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., to experience — among other landmarks and tourist destinations — the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps/Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photo: Frank Tavares, America First Credit Union business development representative, drops off care packages to veterans.
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 81 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 128 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $13.8 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,151,000 members.
Branded Visa Debit Card Available for Raider Nation
Las Vegas – October 6, 2020 – Raider Nation now has a new way to show its love for the NFL’s most unique team. America First Credit Union, the Raider’s official credit union partner, is launching the first-ever exclusive Raiders debit card fans can use to show team support all year round.
Combining its members-first exceptional service, Raiders fans can display their fandom on their debit card while also gaining access to features and benefits, including Card Guard® and ABC Deals®. The AFCU Las Vegas Raiders debit card is a unique collaboration between the team and credit union that stands out from the rest with the Raider’s iconic colors and logo.
“The Raiders’ partnership underscores our continued investment and interest in supporting the communities and sports fans we serve, which represents the ultimate personalized experience for our members,” said AFCU president and CEO John B. Lund. “AFCU’s comprehensive partnership with the Raiders is an extension of the Raider Nation.”
“We are delighted to partner with America First Credit Union, which not only offers an outstanding portfolio of products, but also aligns with our commitment to the community,” said Las Vegas Raiders President Marc Badain. “In addition, the branded design of the official Raiders debit card allows holders the opportunity to show their Silver & Black pride.”
To request an official Raiders debit card with checking account, visit americafirst.com/raiders or call 800-999-3961.
AFCU’s multiyear Raiders’ partnership includes a program to support small-business owners and a charitable donation component. More information will be forthcoming.
Editor’s Note: Interview opportunities with AFCU representatives are available.
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 81 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $13.7 billion, and the fifth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,144,596 members.
By John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer
What a year 2020 has been. The pandemic continues causing a high degree of sadness, illness and death. Unemployment remains high, businesses and the economy are being damaged, many facets of our lives are disrupted, and civil unrest is unfolding across the country we all face additional stress and worry.
If this weren’t enough, we experienced both unseasonably low and high temperatures, gale-force winds, fires, smoke, and other weather-related challenges. It’s certainly shaping up as a time for the record books.
Mr. Rogers, however, would probably have something to say about all the helpers being out there, no matter the circumstances. Fred M. Rogers created and hosted the preschool television series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, which ran from 1968 to 2001, an incredible 895 episodes. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002, a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 1997, more than 40 honorary degrees, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999. He had a unique ability to discuss hardship, personal difficulties, tragedy, and other problematic issues in an open, caring, and educational manner; all this while providing comfort, perspective, and hope.
Mr. Rogers is quoted as saying, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” What a wise woman, offering such simple yet powerful advice. Rather than being overwhelmed with what’s bad in the world, look for the helpers delivering care and support.
Perhaps more importantly, each of us is and can be a helper. There are instances when such assistance is clearly evident and noticeable, but oftentimes it’s more subtle and not seen at all. There are moments when we benefit from helpers, and occasions when we, in turn, offer help. This year has thrown us many curveballs, but we have witnessed the best in one another emerge, no matter the obstacle.
Our mission is to help improve your financial well-being, while simplifying complex and busy lives. The credit union is strong. A dedicated staff and volunteer team works hard to ensure our products and services remain relevant to and are helpful for your changing needs. We appreciate your membership and look forward to a lifetime relationship.
We can probably all agree that this spring and summer have been seasons without comparison, as we work to navigate troubled and uncharted waters. People around the world are anxious for some good news regarding a vaccine or an effective form of COVID-19 treatment. I am confident our scientific and medical community will eventually prevail.
I want you to know how profoundly grateful I am for the America First team of volunteers and employees. Each day, they are adapting to and meeting members’ changing needs. It’s been inspiring to watch and be part of such an amazing group sharing a common purpose. In the end, we will be stronger and more fortunate as we pull together.
We are vital and secure. Despite the challenges posed by the economy and within the communities we serve, America First remains fiscally strong and in a positive position for the future. We’re dedicated to improving your well-being and simplifying your financial life.
We are moving forward. We have undertaken efforts to improve and broaden our digital capabilities, while keeping a commitment to serving you in the manner that best fits your circumstances. If you haven’t tried our mobile and online banking platforms, I encourage you to do so. The systems are robust, user-friendly & convenient, providing complete money-management capability according to your schedule. Our expansive ATM network also offers 24/7 access to funds and many can take deposits. Please visit us here, call 1-800-999-3961, or stop by a local branch to learn more about our industry-leading electronic services.
We greatly appreciate you choosing America First and look forward to a lifetime relationship.
Sincerely,
John B. Lund, President and Chief Executive Officer
Vineyard, Utah – August 31, 2020 – To meet the high demand of members in the fastest growing city in the U.S., America First Credit Union is opening the doors on August 31 to its newest branch in Vineyard, Utah. To encourage psychical distancing and stay a safe essential resource for the community, the new branch will be equipped with plexiglass at all teller stations and other precautions to keep members and branch staff safe. The branch will also utilize two remote tellers at our drive-up, in addition to five in-person tellers. The remote tellers allow for person-to-person interaction that many members enjoy while allowing for physical distancing. The member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution is showing off its newest branch via a virtual tour and grand opening later this week.
The 3,350 square-feet branch, located at 758 East Mill Road, Vineyard, UT, will be managed by Michelle Bohn, who has been part of the America First team for more than 27 years and has worked at 12 branch locations. She started as a student trainee while in high school at the Ogden Main Branch, has been a lead teller at in-store locations, assistant manager/manager at two locations and a market manager at four locations.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work for America First in twelve branches from Cache Valley to Utah County and our number one priority is always our members,” said Bohn, America First’s Vineyard branch manager. “We want to provide the best member experience to the Vineyard community and so we have integrated all different options into this branch to fit the various needs of each of our members. So whether you want to work with a teller or loan officer in person, utilize a virtual/remote teller so you’re still talking to a person but in an environment you’re comfortable with, or have the ease and convenience of our online and mobile options, there’s a solution for every member.”
Also available to members and the many young families, college students and recent graduates in the Vineyard community, a financial counselor will be available by appointment at the branch to be a resource for members who are looking to improve their financial literacy, manage student loans, and improve their financial security. America First team members will also be on hand to assist members with new checking/savings accounts as well as personal and business loans.
The branch is equipped with five in-person tellers and two remote tellers, five loan stations, and a drive-up ATM. The lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with the drive-up opening at 9 a.m. on those days and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
In celebration of the grand opening, America First members who open a new savings account or a new checking account and deposit $25 the first two weeks of opening (Aug 31 – Sept 12) will receive $25. There will also be a chance for members to win a $500 America First Visa Card for members who visit the branch during that time.
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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Proudly celebrating 81 years of servicing members and a long-standing history, America First Credit Union has become one of the largest, most stable and most progressive credit unions in the country, and has remained a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative financial institution. Today, America First has 131 locations, and is the ninth largest credit union in assets in the United States with over $13.6 billion, and the sixth largest credit union in membership in America with more than 1,137,648 members.
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By John B. Lund, President & Chief Executive Officer
