Community delivers for LAFCU’s Back-to-School Extravaganza

Over 100 excited kids in south Lansing each took home a backpack filled with school supplies and high expectations for the new school year at the Aug. 20 Back-to-School Extravaganza coordinated by LAFCU, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK and The Village Lansing.

“It was a beautiful day to celebrate our young people,” said Erica Lynn, The Village Lansing co-founder. “We couldn’t have done it without LAFCU, our other generous sponsors and all those who donated supplies and their time to help make this happen!

“It took a ‘Village,’ and the village showed up! You are appreciated.”

Shelia Scott, LAFCU’s community financial education & business development officer, said, “You could see that the colorful backpacks and new school supplies sparked the hopes and dreams of the kids and their families through their big smiles.”

The Michigan credit union supplemented donations dropped off at LAFCU’s 10 mid-Michigan branches by purchasing additional supplies.

“We’re extremely grateful for our wonderful LAFCU members and community residents who supported our supply drive,” Scott said. “Education is vitally important for our youth. We are honored to partner with such a dedicated charity to help ensure students have the supplies needed to excel at school.”

Other Lansing-area organizations that supported the event, which included the giveaway of personal hygiene supplies and kids’ school clothes, were The Fretail Store, Covering Kids, Helping Women Period, Faith’s Pillow & More, Odd Nodd Art Supply, the Office and Professional Employees union, and the charity’s Village Youth Academy.

The Village Lansing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in late 2019 to address youth violence in its south Lansing community through mentorship, education, empowerment and resources. Its vision is that the charity is more than an organization — it is a mindset that “we are all The Village” with the aim to strengthen and support youth and community by closing the gaps between those in need, those who have and those willing to give.

Chartered in 1936, LAFCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative open for membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Michigan and to businesses and other entities located in Michigan. The credit union serves 72,000 members and holds over $950 million in assets. It was named a Best Credit Union to Work For in 2020. LAFCU offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services as well as an expanding complement of financial technology solutions. Members enjoy benefits such as low fees, low interest rates on loans, high yields on savings, discounts, knowledgeable employees and nationwide access to fee-free ATMs. A recipient of the national Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award for credit unions, LAFCU enriches the communities it serves by supporting many organizations and causes. To learn more about LAFCU, call 800.748.0228 or visit www.lafcu.com.