CUs help those displaced by Florida wildfires

PALM BAY, Fla. (5/15/08)--Several Florida credit unions are working with United Way to help those displaced by recent wildfires in the state.

The wildfires began burning on Tuesday. The largest blaze burned 3,800 acres in the towns of Palm Bay and Malabar. About 34 miles of the interstate in Brevard County was closed Tuesday because of smoke, and all 18 schools in Palm Bay were closed Tuesday (USA Today May 14).

Police arrested a suspect yesterday regarding a wildfire that was deliberately started in Palm Bay (CNN May 14).

Community Educators CU, Rockledge, teamed up with United Way of Brevard County and is collecting donations at all seven of its branch locations in Brevard County. Donations can be made in cash, by check or by using Visa or MasterCard. The fund gives 100% of all donations to relief.

The credit union also opened up a business office 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. yesterday for victims in its Palm Bay branch to notify loved ones and contact insurance companies. The credit union held a dinner on Wednesday for those displaced by the fires.

"It has long been the policy of Community Educators CU to be responsive to those affected by fire emergencies, hurricanes and natural disasters," said Sara Stern, Community Educators vice president of marketing. "We hope to help families get back on their feet more quickly by providing the resources they need at this unfortunate time."

The credit union is accepting any non-perishables at all of its branches. Needed items include sun block, bug spray, water and blankets. Firefighters need water, socks, sunscreen and Chapstick.
Space Coast CU, Melbourne, is accepting donations for the United Way at all of its branches. It has four branches in the Palm Bay area.

The Miami Herald Wednesday reported that a credit union employee, Brenda Civita, lost her home in the fire. The newspaper did not name the credit union. News Now was unable to confirm the credit union by press time.

courtesy of cuna.org