Harbor Light Credit Union is one of our best sponsors. Their mission aligns with ours perfectly in the idea that being a part of the community is so much more than being just what’s on the surface. We could be a site publishing what it takes to get clicks and shares. Harbor Light Credit Union could be just a financial institution, but they are not only that, but they are an education center, a community engagement driver and a support source both internally and outwardly for our area. It’s a deep reach.
Jessie Wilde and Donna Brum join me today at the main branch on Cogswell Drive in Whitehall. Let’s begin with the outreach from within the credit union itself…it’s hands on from day 1. Beginning on November 16th, the employees of Harbor Light Credit Union (HLCU) bring all of their skills at home to work and put them to use. Artisans, crafters, bakers and more begin their annual sale of all things handcrafted and homemade. From warm woolen hats and mittens and things to pretty up the place a little, those who work at HLCU don’t just talk a big game, they spend the year working on these items nights and weekends to help make the give personal and real. Sure, the baked goods and things are fresh and delicious, you’d expect nothing less. This is done as a benefit for an organization the entire team votes on…this year, it’s Life Align Recovery in Muskegon. They assist those working to break the cycle of addiction, what a gift to give.
The food drive gets underway too. Working in collaboration with other area credit unions, this food drive takes place around the area and then is shared with local pantries to help those in a food insecurity situation as they happen. If you read the headlines, it’s a growing problem still…and as benefits continue to be downsized for those in need, the recognition of the idea that community taking care of community is seen first and foremost by HLCU and true to their mission, supporting community is exactly what they do. Non perishable food items or monetary help can be dropped off at either location in the Whitehall area, Colby street across from Walmart or on Cogswell by Whitehall High School.
The adopt a family event is coming up soon. HLCU annually finds a family that is in need and provides it all. A complete Christmas. We will be doing a full feature with that event, so stay tuned.
One of our greatest accomplishments at the Muskegon Channel is finding the small but mighty. If you pay attention…I’m sure you see the multi-million dollar ad campaigns for the “big banks” and the flash they provide with celebs, gimmicks and flashy stuff. Harbor Light Credit Union reaches out to schools and offers to help kids and families with financial literacy instead. Their employees hand knit hats, scarves and mittens for kids to raise a few bucks for people in recovery. They offer affordable loans to help stabilize and secure the future for area families. Small but mighty seems like a decent descriptor for a community asset like Harbor Light Credit Union and those who make it the place it is. We are so proud to have them as a sponsor of our work.
CLICK HERE to visit Harbor Light Credit Union online. FOLLOW HARBOR LIGHT CREDIT UNION ON FACEBOOK.
