Digging into the Community: Hudson Valley Credit Union Participates in 518 Day

Underscoring its commitment to community philanthropy, Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) partnered with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to participate in 518 Day, an annual day of service on May 18 that supports upstate nonprofits and local businesses through volunteer efforts. As part of the initiative, HVCU employees worked together to beautify the property at Hope 7 Community Center, a Troy-based organization that provides a food pantry, after-school programming and summer camp to local residents.

“What a gift it was to have Hudson Valley Credit Union volunteers and Hope 7 board members beautify our outdoor space together,” said Holly Cargill-Cramer, executive director at Hope 7. “The children we care for are looking forward to helping maintain the beautiful flower boxes provided and filled, thanks to the generous donors and volunteers organized by United Way for 518 Day.” 

HVCU’s philosophy is that teamwork should extend beyond office walls and into the communities it serves, so it can make an impact in areas like the Capital Region. In addition to driving change through meaningful hands-on experiences, HVCU regularly gives back through the Hudson Valley Credit Union Charitable Foundation’s annual grant program, which distributed $550,000 across New York in 2025. 

“Hope 7, HVCU and United Way share a common purpose when it comes to helping families secure and retain financial stability,” added Cargill-Cramer. “It was a true pleasure to work with these like-minded organizations.”

Pictured on-site at Hope 7 during planting, weeding and more are HVCU team members. From left: Zarrita Triolo, branch supervisor, and Charlotte Sevazlian, relationship advisor, both from the Halfmoon branch; Armin Kuzelj, supervisor at the Niskayuna branch; Erin Phelan, supervisor of the Colonie branch; and Lee Mulligan, relationship advisor for the Green Island branch.

About Hudson Valley Credit Union:

A trusted, community-based financial cooperative, Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) has continuously supported its members, friends, families and the regions it serves in building successful financial futures since 1963. Committed to fostering financial freedom, HVCU serves more than 400,000 members across 40 branches in 13 counties. From personal banking to business services, the credit union offers an array of financial services and innovative digital solutions, including internship and scholarship programs, financial literacy workshops and program grants. For more information, visit www.hvcu.org or follow HVCU on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.