Small changes lead to big growth

The wildfires in California have scorched thousands of acres of land and created a global climate impact. In November and December last year, Patelco partnered with One Tree Planted to donate 5 trees for every member who switched to eStatements. Thanks to those who switched, we are donating $23,000 to plant 23,000 trees. By planting trees, we can replace barren landscapes with lush forests that release oxygen, clean our air, and support wildlife and biodiversity.

We appreciate our members that switched to eStatements to make this donation possible. Patelco is committed to supporting the communities we serve and reducing the effects of climate change.

Giving back in the face of COVID-19

We care deeply about our community, which is why you can count on Patelco’s ongoing philanthropy during this time of uncertainty. We are giving to non-profits we know make a difference. And they are the organizations in our community with whom we already have on-going partnerships, who are providing valuable and essential services – right now – to the most vulnerable during this time of crisis. Rest assured, your health and well-being are our top priority. That’s why we are working diligently to meet the needs of our partners at the frontlines of the coronavirus response.

Patelco has always prioritized supporting food security, especially in times of need. In the current crisis, food banks – striving to get food on everyone’s table – have had triple or more requests for food. Particularly critical is the need to feed children who are normally fed at school. Food banks are responding by providing food to these families at local school distribution sites. Other at-risk groups are senior citizens and the homeless. Food banks are stocking the shelves of local pantries as well as giving to smaller organizations that provide hot meals for senior citizens and lunches to the homeless. For every $1 donated, a food bank can secure up to $7 worth of food.

Patelco has donated a total of $130,000 to our partner food banks. We encourage you, if you are able, to support them also and remember they are there to serve all of us who are in need:

Volunteering is part of our culture at Patelco and this year we have put our team into action every month at the Open Heart Kitchen. This wonderful organization serves hot meals at Senior Centers and Churches in the Tri-Valley and is open to anyone in need. We are proud to support them and their efforts to continue serving meals on a to-go basis at this time.

This year marks the 3rd annual Cycle of Hope presented by Patelco Credit Union. We not only provide financial and volunteer support, we also have one of the largest teams who ride their bikes to raise money for this wonderful organization!
Please join us in November and help more families achieve their goal of affordable home ownership!

In an effort to support Habitat for Humanity and their families even more, we added financial education to our partnership. Patelco supports Habitat’s First Time Home Buyer classes and offers financial education workshops throughout the bay area. These are open to Habitat families, Patelco members and the community. Once we can meet in person check the schedule here.

Please check out our on-line financial education resources that are always available to you.

Children's health, touching the future

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® serves sick kids all over the country and we are proud to support their Dream Home Giveaway in Sacramento. Last year we helped St. Jude raise over $600,000 and we are looking forward to raising even more this year. Look for information about the brand-new dream home this summer in our Sacramento branches and how you can purchase a chance to win.

 

Credit Union SacTown Run

Every year Patelco team member volunteers, walkers and runners participate in the Credit Union SacTown Run to support the Children’s Miracle Network. Although the race was canceled this year, we are proud to continue supporting children’s health at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital and UC Davis Children’s Hospital. We look forward to participating at the next event on April 11, 2021.

Meals, donations and care for families impacted by wildfires

When the Camp Fire decimated the town of Paradise and surrounding areas, Patelco jumped into action, providing assistance for our members and the broader community.

In December 2018, Patelco team members partnered with the North Valley Catholic Social Service in Chico, to donate and distribute 1,000 backpacks, each packed with a blanket, power pack, $50 Target gift card and a personal note from a Patelco team member. Patelco team member volunteers also helped over 50 families at Chico’s Salvation Army Distribution Center shop for free household, personal and food supplies at the location

Patelco team members distribute backpacks to families affected by the Camp Fire in Paradise, California.

As a development professional for over ten years, I can say this was one of the best events I have participated in. From the moment your team stepped off the bus and greeted us, I knew this was going to be a good event.”

– Don, North Valley Catholic Social Service

Patelco has a history of supporting the community when disasters occur. In 2017 when multiple devastating fires effected Sonoma and Napa Counties, Patelco team members volunteered in the community and distributed essential supplies and food. We packed and distributed 7,500lbs of fruits and vegetables, served food to over 700 people, gifted 1,000 care packages and raised $234,000 to distribute to local charities.

Patelco’s community team leads financial education courses in Northern California high schools, community colleges, universities, libraries, adult education centers and transitional housing centers. These courses, provided at no cost, have been held in Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa and Placer counties.

Some of the topics include FICO scores, budgeting for college students, setting goals, emotional spending, and basic financial literacy. Want to learn about these topics and more? Check out our online financial wellness resources.

Doing great work, every day

As a result of our community team’s efforts, Patelco has received these awards and recognitions:

We’re proud to be part of helping make the communities we serve stronger.