BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — eCO Credit Union prioritizes making the communities it serves even better. One way eCO supports the community each year is through the Change for Children’s fundraiser to benefit Children’s of Alabama. In its tenth year of fundraising, eCO raised more than ever before to support the only free-standing children’s hospital in the state of Alabama.

From September 9 through October 23, eCO Credit Union worked with members, schools, vendors and the community to raise money for Children’s of Alabama. From filling up Change for Children’s cans, buying t-shirts, and donating through an online platform, people from the community came together and the funds added up quickly. eCO also received a $10,000 Miracle Match from CO-OP. At the end of the fundraiser, eCO donated $51,000 to Children’s of Alabama. The donated funds will help support the hospital’s biggest needs at the time, often including initiatives to help support patient-centered care.

“As eCO went into the tenth year of fundraising for Children’s of Alabama, we knew we wanted to take our campaign to the next level,” said Joey Hand, eCO CEO. “Our employees and members truly believe in the cause, and it shows through the fundraising efforts each year. I’m proud to see the commitment continue and grow, as we support the hospital that means so much to families throughout Birmingham and Alabama.”

Employees and their families celebrated the successful fundraiser and presented the check to Children’s of Alabama at Urban Cookhouse on October 24.

“Children’s is incredibly grateful to eCO Credit Union for their amazing gift and their commitment to our patients and families for the past ten years," said Emily Bridges, Community Development Coordinator at Children's of Alabama. "eCO and their community of supporters continue to make Children’s a special place of hope and healing for kids across our state. We are proud to have them as our partner and to celebrate their amazing campaign this year.”

About eCO Credit Union

eCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit, democratically controlled financial cooperative, which exists solely to provide safe, cost-efficient and personal financial services to its members. eCO Credit Union was founded in 1939, and today has more than 15,000 members and over $145 million in assets.  eCO is open to the community and proudly serves members in Jefferson, Shelby, Cullman, Walker and Blount counties.  Additional information about eCO and its line of products and services can be found at www.ecocu.org.  

About Children’s of Alabama
Since 1911, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care for ill and injured children, offering inpatient and outpatient services throughout central Alabama. Ranked among the best pediatric medical centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s provided care for youngsters from every county in Alabama, 42 other states and seven foreign countries last year, representing more than 677,000 outpatient visits and more than 15,000 inpatient admissions. With more than 3.5 million square feet, Children’s is one of the largest pediatric medical facilities in the United States. More information is available at childrensal.org.