Twenty-nine Massachusetts Credit Unions along with the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) coordinated a blanket and warm clothing drive the month of January and donated a new record-breaking 1,012 blankets and thousands of warm clothing items to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and more than 25 local agencies across the state. Both the blankets and clothing truly make a difference for the hundreds of children and families who seek relief from the severe winter weather.

The five credit unions that collected the most blankets included: West Springfield Federal Credit Union - 143; RTN Federal Credit Union - 110; Metro Credit Union - 108; Leominster Credit Union 83; and Hanscom Federal Credit Union - 72.

The credit union contacts commented on the successful ways in which they collected blankets this year such as Paula Kerwin from RTN Federal Credit Union who reported, "We had great success. Our members were very generous with the blanket and knitted hats donations. We had 75 blankets alone donated from a group called Blankets for Kids who lovingly knitted them. They work out of the Amesbury Senior Center and each year sends a donation to our Amesbury branch." All of the donated items went to the Coalition.

Homefield Credit Union was proud to participate again this year and increased their donation to 60 blankets, mittens, gloves and winter jackets for St. John's Church in Worcester to benefit Worcester Net of Compassion outreach. They provide beds for the homeless on frigid nights when the emergency shelter overflows. In addition, the shelter serves a hot, nutritious breakfast to 125+ people, five days a week.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union conducted their drive during the month of January and collected more than 300 items for the Amherst and Northampton Survival Centers and the Friends for the Homeless.

Hanscom Federal Credit Union is one of many credit unions that participate every year and according to Paul Marotta, Chairman of Hanscom Federal Credit Union and the Massachusetts Social Responsibility Committee, "Participating in this initiative with the CCUA is gratifying. We support the Coalition throughout the year but somehow, realizing the need for something as simple as a blanket gets at the reality of homelessness. If there is a way we can help, we will."

The Massachusetts Social Responsibility Committee in conjunction with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless coordinates this program and extends their heartfelt thanks to these credit unions for their support. Click HERE to view a complete list of participating credit unions.

Since 2011, the Massachusetts Credit Unions have donated 4,887 blankets and thousands of warm clothing articles throughout the state to keep families and individuals warm against the harsh elements of the winter months.