Published: January 07, 2009 02:22 pm      

IMCU gives back to the community

With students returning to school after Christmas break, there was a need for supplies. That need was met by a local bank.

In 2008, Indiana Members Credit Union raised $20,000 by selling candy in all of their 25 branches to assist Backpack Attack — a charity which gives backpacks and school supplies to low income children. Through the donations, Indiana Members was able to donate 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to needy children. The supplies include rulers, scissors, calculators, erasers, ink pens, pocket folders, and more.

“There are a lot of members involved in education,” said Ron Collier, CEO of Indiana Members. “We have normally done something with the medical field. We get together in October every year and discuss what we are going to do. Every community and branch has kids that will need supplies and this was a good fit.”

The individual branches have been selling candy for five or six years, though last year was the first year that the fundraiser was geared toward Backpack Attack through the United Way of Central Indiana. Previously, the bank has aimed toward helping the Make a Wish Foundation of Indiana and Relay for Life, which is part of the American Cancer Society.

Collier said that Indiana Members chose to sell candy due to its demand and ease.

“We like that it’s a low price to sell and most people like it,” Collier said. “It is also easy to order. We order it through Sam’s Club. People enjoy purchasing it for an afternoon pick-me-up and it’s easy to keep. It is also very profitable. It is a one time a year thing that we do for four or five weeks, normally in the spring.”

The supplies were purchased at a Wal-Mart on the south side of Indianapolis. Collier was pleased with the partnership this year and looks to purchase the supplies there in the future.

“We know people at a Wal-Mart on the south side of Indianapolis,” Collier said. “They were very helpful and had the quantities that we needed at a good price. We watch where all of the money goes because all of the proceeds go to it. We got the most for the money raised and will probably do it again.”

Indiana Members also plans to continue the drive in 2009 and they have set a goal of 2,500 backpacks for this year. They plan to do a variety of fundraisers including the candy sales in the spring.

Indiana Members serves Marion and the surrounding counties — Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Grant and Delaware. The branches in Hendricks County are located in Avon, on U.S 36 and Plainfield on Stafford Road and State Road 267.



ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com