BETTENDORF, IA - February 26, 2020 – “That’s an incredible amount,” said Lieutenant Greg Bock, Co-officer of the Muscatine Salvation Army, when Ascentra Credit Union told him that they had raised over $2,000 for their Kettle program. “We have exceeded our $180,000 goal for 2019.”

Since 2018, Ascentra members financing a new vehicle during the holiday season have been eligible for a $50 cash giveback and a $50 donation, by Ascentra, to a predetermined charity in that member’s community.  In 2018, Toys for Tots and The Holiday Network were the benefactors.  In 2019, the Salvation Army in the Quad Cities, Muscatine, and Clinton.  This program qualified nearly 250 auto loans during November and December and generated a combined $12,450 in donations.

“After joining the United Way Citizen’s Review Committee in Clinton, I became educated in all the good work the Salvation Army was doing in our communities,” said Jennifer Naeve, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascentra Credit Union. “I don’t know that many people are aware of their impactful and meaningful work. It was a natural fit for us to continue to run this program and partner with the Salvation Army.

Dale Owen, President and CEO of Ascentra Credit Union and Jennifer presented checks to each Salvation Army separately. The promotion raised $8,750 for the Quad Cities, $2,050 for Muscatine and $1,650 for Clinton.

“Caring for our members and the communities we serve is paramount to Ascenta’s culture, ” said Dale. “It’s a beautiful thing that we, as a credit union, are blessed with staff that are dedicated to giving back as much as our organization is.”

In addition to the promotion, Ascentra employees contributed to the Salvation Army by volunteering to “ring the bell” in their communities, including Ascentra’s mascot Jumpin’ George. More than 50 volunteer hours were donated and experiences were shared across social media on Ascentra’s Facebook page using #TheGiftIsInTheGiving.

“We are so thankful for all Ascentra did this past holiday season,” said Lieutenant Liz Bock, Co-Officer of the Muscatine Salvation Army. “With their help, we were able to help over 1100 kids receive toys! It is because of companies like Ascentra that we were able to raise more than this community has seen through The Salvation Army in years!”

“We are blessed to be a part of this opportunity,” said Captain Jeremy Fingar of the Clinton Salvation Army. “The Holidays are about giving back, and we can all draw the inspiration to do so from those around us like dedicated men and women of Ascentra Credit Union!”

More than 13,000 people are experiencing homelessness in Iowa and Illinois.  The Salvation Army is dedicated to reducing homelessness through their programs by providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, clothing, shelter, Christmas toys for children and social service programs to people in need year round.

Since 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable charitable campaigns in the United States. Each year, more than 25,000 volunteers throughout the country ring bells and solicit donations to the red kettles. Learn more or make a difference in your community by visiting SalvationArmyUSA.org.

About Ascentra:                                                                            
Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $424 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, LeClaire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill.  Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org.  Follow Ascentra on Facebook @ascentra, Twitter @ascentra, Instagram @ascentracu, and on its YouTube channel.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.