Heritage Trust Federal Credit Union was a Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award recipient in the annual competition administered by the South Carolina Credit Union League (SCCUL) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). This award represents the highest distinction for community service among SCCUL member credit unions and recognizes Heritage Trust for its impactful outreach efforts among credit unions in the $200 million - $500 million asset category.
The annual Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award recognizes and promotes credit unions' social responsibility efforts within the communities they serve. Dora Maxwell was an early credit union pioneer who helped organize hundreds of credit unions and worked to improve the living standards of the poor and needy.
Heritage Trust won the first place honor for their efforts to provide a meeting space and employee time to help in-need individuals with their tax preparations free of charge through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a division of the Trident Urban League. The VITA program provides free income tax services for low to moderate income individuals and families in Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties. Employee-volunteers received extensive training in tax preparation as well as the opportunity to participate in a worthwhile philanthropic event within their community.
"Credit unions are all about 'People Helping People' and giving back to our communities. Heritage Trust winning these two awards is proof that we take our mission to the community and our members seriously." Commented President/CEO, Jim McDaniel. "Putting our members first is paramount to what we are doing now and will be doing in the future."
Heritage Trust also received first place in the Louise A. Herring Award for Philosophy in Action for the credit union's Trust Checking program. This account was developed for members who need an opportunity to reestablish a checking relationship. This program was designed to teach responsible spending and saving habits, while providing a checking account option. The Louise Herring award recognizes credit unions that do an extraordinary job incorporating credit union philosophy into daily operations.
"Community involvement and education has always been important to Heritage Trust. Since 1955, we have been committed to providing a variety of educational services to our members and the communities we serve. Today, it is still our belief that by providing these resources we can empower our members to make the right financial decisions for their individual needs." Commented Executive Vice President, Steve Wichmann.