Visitors to many Achieva Credit Union branches around west-central Florida and southwest Florida will have the opportunity to help those less fortunate this holiday season.
In many Achieva locations, they can drop money into one of The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles, and they’ll also be able to take a tag from one of the organization’s Angel Trees, which will supply gifts for children in need.
It’s all part of Achieva’s holiday partnership with The Salvation Army, now in its fifth year.
Achieva kicked off the season of giving with a pledge to match donations dollar for dollar up to $20,000 across the Red Kettles being hosted at 11 of its branch locations.
“Knowing that so many in our community face unprecedented challenges, we are proud to continue our support with The Salvation Army,” said David Oak, Chief Marketing Officer at Achieva. “Their efforts in funding critical services for families are more vital than ever.”
The Salvation Army’s demand for financial and food donations has exploded as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, with demand in some local areas up by 200% over last year. As a result, the organization needs more volunteers and donations than ever before.
“Based on the demand we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, the organization could serve up to 155% more people in 2020 with assistance over the holidays in our community alone,” said Major Ted Morris, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Clearwater and Northern Pinellas. “From putting food on the table and paying bills to providing shelter and helping place gifts under the tree – we are expecting more people will need our help this season and into the coming year.”
Now through December 23, 11 participating Achieva branches will host the iconic Red Kettles from The Salvation Army for visitors to deposit change and donations.
Also, a total of 16 Achieva branches will participate in the Angel Tree Program from Nov. 28 to Dec. 11, hosting a tree in their lobbies from which interested donors can take an angel tag from the tree and buy a gift that is later given to the child by The Salvation Army.
The following 11 branches will have both an Angel Tree and a Red Kettle in their lobbies:
● Pasco County
○ 2115 Collier Pkwy, Land O Lakes, FL 34639
○ 5920 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34652
○ 12006 State Road 54, Odessa, FL 33556
● North Pinellas
○ 3446 East Lake Road, Palm Harbor, FL 34685
○ 33715 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor, FL 34684
○ 1150 Achieva Way, Dunedin, FL 34698
○ 2201 Drew St., Clearwater, FL 33765
○ 12580 Seminole Blvd., Largo, FL 33778
● South Pinellas
○ 7105 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park, FL 33781
○ 413 62nd Ave. North, St Petersburg, 33702
○ 3629 11th Ave. North, St Petersburg, FL 33713
The following five branches will have only an Angel Tree in their lobbies:
● Manatee County
○ 4254 53rd Ave., East Bradenton, FL 34203
● Sarasota County
○ 5881 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
○ 3000 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239
○ 1485 East Venice Ave., Venice, FL 34292
○ 2467 Sycamore St., North Port, FL 34289
People can make their donations in person this holiday season at the 16 Achieva Credit Union branches, and also at retail stores participating in the Red Kettle Campaign such as Publix, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Winn-Dixie, and Hobby Lobby locations.
ABOUT ACHIEVA:
Achieva Credit Union was founded in 1937 in Pinellas County. Today, it is rated a Superior 5-Star credit union by Bauer Financial and has more than $2 billion in assets and 22 branches serving more than 165,000 members. Anyone who lives or works in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties, or whose family member has an Achieva Credit Union account can bank with Achieva. For more information, visit www.achievacu.com.