No financial institution shines brighter than American Heritage Credit Union during the holidays. American Heritage celebrates its annual giving season with its community and credit union family through donations, volunteer programs, and free family events to embody the “people helping people” value.

Adopt-A-Family Holiday Drive

American Heritage’s Adopt-A-Family Program, with the help of the Board of Directors, associates, and members, raised over $18,000 to purchase wish lists items for 20 families in the areas American Heritage serves, including the Norristown Salvation Army, Northeast Family YMCA, CADCOM, Thea Bowman Women’s Shelter in Philadelphia, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Philadelphia. Each family’s wish lists included toys, books, and necessities such as coats and boots. American Heritage’s Board of Directors also donated 20 ShopRite gift cards worth $700 to those families in need to cover groceries costs this holiday season.

Additionally, the program supports children from Ridge Crest Pediatric Services to provide essentials such as health care supplies, toiletries, and cleaning supplies for the non-profit. Ridge Crest in Sellersville, PA cares for and provides health services for children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. This year, American Heritage adopted 26 children from Ridge Crest and supplied them with a variety of essentials needed this season. During the past 32 years, the Adopt-A-Family Program has raised over $292,000 for local families and children in need.

4^th Annual Green Team Coat Drive

During the 4th Annual Green Team Coat Drive, associates donated over 100 new and gently-used adults’ and children’s coats to keep local veterans and their families warm this winter season. Coats will be delivered to the Purple Heart Foundation, whose goal is to enhance the quality of life for all veterans and their families.

“Our associates and Board of Directors come together each year to make the holidays special for many local families and members who need our help,” stated Bruce K. Foulke, American Heritage President & CEO.  “Credit unions are about people helping people. With the impact of the pandemic still prevalent in our region, there are so many families who need help more than ever. I am proud that the American Heritage family is always willing to give their time, energy, and resources to brighten the lives of others. On behalf of American Heritage’s Board of Directors, employees, and members, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday.”

Grand Illumination

In addition to its donations and contributions, American Heritage also provides a free and safe holiday lighting extravaganza to the entire community at its Northeast Philadelphia campus. Each holiday season, the campus buildings and trees are illuminated, and multiple light displays are featured throughout the grounds to bring holiday cheer to the Philadelphia area while also fundraising for their Kids-N-Hope Foundation.

Between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year’s Day, families can walk or drive-through the campus each night beginning at dusk, where they can enjoy over 400,000 lights, two 40-foot Christmas Trees, hundreds of illuminated wreaths and many other decorations and displays. Thousands of community members come out each season to stroll the campus, take photos and enjoy the sights and sounds of this holiday tradition.

To read more about American Heritage’s community involvement, visit AmericanHeritageCU.org/Community.