(L-R): Doug Walter, Union County Veterans Foundation, accepts a donation from Matt Gardill, Assistant Vice President Mifflinburg Market, Service 1st, as part of the credit union’s Magic of the Season initiative.

(Danville, PA) - Service 1st Federal Credit Union presented 55 non-profits across the region with donations just in time for the holidays, as part of its Magic of the Season initiative.

Presentations were made throughout December. In all, $220,000 was awarded to local organizations, ranging from children’s causes and animal welfare organizations to libraries and fire departments. Overall, five charities in each of the credit union’s market areas received donations.

During the credit union’s annual holiday tree lighting shared virtually on December 5 via their Facebook page, Mike Thomas, President/CEO, Service 1st, said the Service 1st “elves” would, once again, be out and about surprising charities with donations.

“With the continued support of our members, we were able to sustain our level of giving to charities across northeastern and central PA,” Thomas said. “Support Community is one of our core values at Service 1st, and we’re excited to help a large number of organizations close the year with an additional donation to support their important causes.”

Representatives from several organizations have been expressing appreciation for the donations. In many cases, they shared that it filled funding gaps and will allow them to boost their efforts in the future.

“We just can't thank Service 1st Federal Credit Union enough for what we are accomplishing in Mifflinburg,” said Doug and Tracy Walter of Union County Veterans Foundation, one of the recipient organizations. “This incredible donation that Service 1st has made ensures the Union County WWII Honor Roll will be maintained years into the future. We are doing our best to keep everything looking pristine, and this donation helps to make sure that will happen.”

Rose Williams, Founder, Getting Ahead Foundation, said the support will help set people on a better path.

“We are deeply grateful to Service 1st for recognizing the importance of Getting Ahead Foundation’ s mission. Community support helps us provide a life-changing pathway for our low-resourced neighbors focused on building resources toward stability,” added Williams. 

Recipients by office location, include: Bloomsburg – AGAPE, Columbia Child Development Program, Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, The Women’s Center, Inc. and The Youth Center; Danville – Camps for Spiffy-Kyds, Inc., Danville Area SPCA, Good Samaritan Mission, Shiloh UCC Danville Area Food Bank and Trinity Lutheran Church Jubilee Kitchen; Elysburg – Elysburg Fire Department, Kulpmont 100, Mommy and Me Rescue, The Elysburg Food Pantry and Trevorton VFW Post 7813; Lewisburg – Central PA Autism Foundation, Union County Veterans’ 4th of July Committee, Union Township Fire Company, The William Cameron Engine Company and White Deer Community Park Association; Loyalsock/Williamsport – Disabled American Veterans, Eat Share, Lycoming Animal Protection Society, XTRA Special Individuals and YWCA Northcentral PA; Mifflinburg – Compassion Parochial Clinic, Herr Memorial Library, Mifflinburg Young Farmers Association, PA Cystic Fibrosis, Inc. and Union County Veterans Foundation; Montandon – Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance, Getting Ahead Foundation, Kingdom Kidz Inc., Milton Fire Department and Milton Lutheran Church – Self Care Sanctuary and Happy Tails Pet Pantry; Muncy – Families United Network Adoption Services, Lycoming County Fair Dairy Committee, Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Department, Muncy School District Foundation (Past Due Lunch Account Balances) and Son Light House; Shamokin Dam – Agapeland Preschool/Christ UMC-Selinsgrove, East Snyder Regional Recreation Association, Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library, Shamokin Dam Fire Company and Walt Fisch Social Studies Award (Selinsgrove Area High School); Sunbury – Christ United Methodist Church-Northumberland, Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA Sunbury Food Pantry, Haven Ministries, Mostly Mutts and The Refuge Youth Center; Wilkes-Barre – Adopt a Single Mom Project, Autism Awareness NEPA, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, Victims Resource Center and Wyoming Valley Habitat for Humanity.

For more information, visit www.service1.org or call 800.562.6049.