Ann Crusenberry

FRANKLIN
There is one thing about credit unions that hasn’t changed since their inception in 1849. The founding principle of credit unions nearly 200 years ago was a philosophy of “people helping people.” It is no surprise that Bronco Federal Credit Union’s employees and members wholeheartedly supported another request for helping the people of their community.

The Virginia Credit Union League’s Community Involvement Committee’s current community outreach project is in support of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. When the Virginia Credit Union League put out their request for a CANstruction project to support local food banks, Bronco jumped right in to help.

Bronco FCU is not new to the idea of collecting non-perishable food items for their local food bank, Franklin Cooperative Ministries. Last June they collected and donated 4,693 pounds of food to them. The previous December they collected and donated over 1,700 pounds.

Chief Executive Officer Brian Hedgepeth challenged his staff with a lofty goal of collecting and donating 5,000 pounds during this year’s campaign.

Continuing with the “people helping people” philosophy, Bronco encouraged its members to give by offering a discount on new/used vehicle, personal and RV loans to members who were willing to donate canned goods.

In addition, local car dealerships Roger Fowler Sales & Service, Mike Duman Auto (Suffolk and Franklin), Blake Ford and Beach Ford put their support behind the initiative and collected food items from members who purchased from them and financed their loan with Bronco during the campaign.

CEO Brian Hedgepeth was astonished when the final numbers of pounds were presented to him. Bronco FCU had collected and was able to donate over 7,200 pounds of food.

Hedgepeth further stated, “I really should not be surprised because our staff, our members and our local car dealerships always rise to the occasion when it comes to giving back to the community. Our combined efforts helped Franklin Cooperative Ministries during a time when support is typically low.”

Bronco Federal Credit Union is proud to continue to support their local community adding to their overall non-perishable food donations to Franklin Cooperative Ministries now totaling more than 13,500 pounds.

Bronco Federal Credit Union employs 66 team members, both in Franklin and Suffolk. The not-for-profit financial cooperative was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Franklin. BFCU serves the Hampton Roads Community. Partnering with more than 18,000 members through three locations will always be the number one priority.

ANN C. CRUSENBERRY is the training and marketing specialist Bronco Federal Credit Union. Contact her at 569-3719 or ann.crusenberry@broncofcu.com.