Tower Federal Credit Union Donates Teddy Bears to Critically Ill Children

When most people think of credit unions, the first thing that comes to mind generally isn't teddy bears. But that is exactly what was on the mind of dozens of critically ill children when a team of Tower Federal Credit Union "ambassadors" traveled to Baltimore to donate 50 stuffed teddy bears to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

"Bear"-ing the Tower logo, the bears were meant as a pick-me-up to the children and their families. "These kids are so brave and have to deal with so many difficult challenges on a daily basis," said Carla Ohler, one of the employees that visited Johns Hopkins. "We hope the soft, cuddly bears helped brighten their day a bit."

"Everyone loves the bears, and we are excited to give them to the children," said Marisa Jaffe, associate director of development for the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, a member hospital of the Children's Miracle Network. Jaffe said the bears were given out to the children as a special treat during a family celebration weekend.

The recent trip to Johns Hopkins continues a long-standing tradition of giving by Tower employees and members. Since 1997, Tower has donated more than $500,000 to various charitable organizations. Almost half of the donated funds have gone to the Johns Hopkins Children's Center and Children's Miracle Network.

One of Tower's major fundraising events is the annual Tower Classic Golf Tournament. The 2009 Tower Classic, held in Beltsville, was the most successful one to date. With 92 golfers and 33 sponsors, the event raised $25,000, including a $10,000 match by CO-OP Financial Services through its Miracle Match Program. To date, the Tower Classic has raised $120,000 for the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Every year, Tower employees sponsor a toy, food and clothing drive at the branches to benefit Sarah's House, a local shelter for homeless families; organize and participate in blood drives; host book fairs; and sell tickets for gift basket raffles. Tower employees have built homes for Habitat for Humanity, manned phones for a telethon and held countless car washes and bake sales.

"Tower employees are perennially charity-minded and always coming up with new and creative ways to raise money for worthy causes," CEO/President Martin Breland said. And their efforts have paid off - employee-driven fundraisers have raised more than $100,000 since 1997 for various charities and worthy causes.

Putting their feet to the pavement, a team of Tower employees participates every year in the Race for the Cure in Washington, D.C. The team holds fundraising activities throughout the year including car washes, casual days and food sales to raise money.

Breland said Tower wholeheartedly supports these activities, and even provides a bus to transport participants to and from the event on race day. Since 2002, Tower's Team for the Cure has raised more than $30,000 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

"Tower is just as likely to help on a national level as we are to contribute funds to a local volunteer fire department or 4th of July celebration," Breland said. "For instance, when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, Tower members and employees rallied and donated more than $100,000 to the relief efforts." Breland said Tower matched the amount raised, for a total donation of $200,000.

Breland said Tower strives to involve members in its charitable campaigns whenever possible. And, like Tower employees, he said Tower members are always ready and willing to support a worthy cause. "We try to involve our members in the giving, and every time we do, their caring and generosity exceeds our expectations."

The Have A Heart campaign is a good example of this, Breland said. Each year around Valentine's Day, Tower members participate in the Have A Heart campaign. For a donation of $1 or more, Tower members can write their name or the name of a loved one on a colorful paper heart. The hearts are displayed in Tower's 14 branches and the Member Service Center at Tower Headquarters. All proceeds benefit the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Since 2000, Tower members have donated more than $140,000 to the Have A Heart campaign.

"As we expand our presence and open new branches throughout the state, we want to support and give back to the communities we serve," Breland said.