December 2017 – Earlier this year, NuMark Credit Union donated a home located in Marseilles, Illinois to a couple of handy veterans to renovate for a fellow Veteran.

“We recently acquired a home after the death of a member,” said Ray Eich, NuMark Credit Union Board Chairman and Marseilles resident. “As a Vietnam Veteran, I have a soft spot in my heart and want to help my fellow veterans,” said Eich. He approached the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Marseilles to see if they knew of a veteran who needed a home.

Eich connected with VFW members, Jack Leininger and Danny Jackson who determined they could save the home with significant work. “No money was exchanged. NuMark paid the back taxes and gave them (Leininger and Jackson) the house,” said Eich. “In all my years here, nothing like this has been done. The entire board and I welcomed the idea and made his proposal a reality,” said Ann M. Dubie, NuMark Credit Union President and CEO.

Although the home has a sound structure, there is a lot of work to be done. “After the roof, the home needs siding replaced, a new furnace, a new hot water heater and plaster repairs,” said Eich. Leininger and Jackson hope to have the home ready for an occupant sometime next year. “We will be looking for a veteran who has a good credit rating and the means to take care of the property,” said Eich. “The rent will repay initial costs. After that the money will go toward future VFW projects in Marseilles.”

Leininger and Jackson are looking for volunteers, companies and/or contractors in La Salle, Grundy, or Will counties to donate muscle and materials to help with remodeling costs. If you would like to help with this project, contact NuMark Credit Union at ask@numarkcu.org.

NuMark Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative. They have five convenient offices in Joliet, Crest Hill, Countryside, Tinley Park and New Lenox. They have been serving members for over 60 years. See NuMark Credit Union for auto loans, mortgages, free checking accounts, business services and more. NuMark serves those who live or work in Will, Kendall, Grundy, Kane, and parts of Cook, DuPage, and Kankakee Counties. For more information call (815) 729-3211 or visit numarkcu.org.