February 13, 2024 -
South Burlington, VT - Vermont Federal Credit Union (VFCU) and WCAX-TV are proud to announce the conclusion of their first-ever Great Vermont Coat Drive, resulting in more than 1,000 coats collected to be distributed to community members in need.
Hosted by both VFCU and WCAX, the Coat Drive saw major success, receiving a surplus of coats from community members that will not only be distributed through the Vermont Department of Children and Families, but also to regional donation centers.
“We have started this Coat Drive because there’s a big, big need out there for warm coats in the cold Vermont weather. It’s not just a coat. It’s caring. It’s caring for those individuals who are unable to buy a coat, and it’s caring for those individuals who are struggling to put food on the table.” said Jean Giard, CEO/President of Vermont Federal Credit Union.
VFCU has a 70+-year legacy of community support and volunteerism, regularly giving back to the Vermont community through donations, partnerships, and community events. The Great Vermont Coat Drive ran for four weeks, during which new or gently used coats of all sizes were collected at all eight branches of the Credit Union statewide. Approximately 700 coats will be given to the Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF) for wider distribution to Vermont families and over 300 coats will be donated to local charities near each of VFCU’s branch locations.
“Partnering with Vermont Federal makes a lot of our work possible. With the Coat Drive, it’s bringing a resource to a lot of families, and that’s something that we need right now.” Said Sam Hoeltge with the Vermont Department of Children and Families.
The commitment of VFCU, WCAX-TV, DCF, and local Vermonters in orchestrating the Coat Drive is a testament to the strength of the Vermont community and will result in helping over 400 families in need this winter season.
Learn more about Vermont Federal Credit Union.
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About Vermont Federal Credit Union:
Vermont Federal Credit Union is a $900 million-plus full-service, not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution that has served Vermonters for more than 70 years, with eight locations currently serving over 50,000 members. Members are part of a cooperative, meaning they share ownership in the Credit Union and elect a volunteer board of directors. Vermont Federal Credit Union provides membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Vermont. Vermont Federal Credit Union is committed to supporting its communities and helping Vermonters prosper, no matter where they may be on life’s journey.
About Vermont Department of Children and Families (DCF):
The Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) mission is to foster the healthy development, safety, well-being, and self-sufficiency of Vermonters by providing benefits, services, and supports to some 200,000 Vermonters every year, including children, youth, families, older Vermonters, and people with disabilities. To achieve this mission, the DCF delivers a wide array of programs and services in areas such as adoption, foster & kin care, child care, child development, child protection, child support, disability determination, and economic benefits that help meet basic needs.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Peter Winch
Vice President of Marketing
pwinch@vermontfederal.org
(802) 923 - 1312
