White Rock, New Mexico, June 23, 2020 — Del Norte Credit Union (DNCU), New Mexico’s hometown financial cooperative has helped secure a 5:1 matching grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas on behalf of Ponderosa Montessori, Inc. Del Norte Credit Union, a member of FHLB Dallas, selected Ponderosa as a recipient of a $2,500 donation in April as part of Giving Tuesday Now, a world-wide giving event for non-profit organizations for Covid-19 relief. During the same time frame, FHLB announced their intentions to select qualifying donations for their 5:1 matching grant. DNCU and Ponderosa applied and cited that the grant would help offset costs associated with providing aid and meeting the needs of local communities in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, DNCU received news that their grant application had been selected and Ponderosa Montessori, Inc would receive $12,500 from FHLB Dallas in addition to the original $2,500 donation from DNCU. Serving North-Central New Mexico, Ponderosa Montessori (established in 1967) was the only child care center that remained open in Los Alamos County during the stay at home order. Staff at Ponderosa Montessori were quick to adapt to the fast changing environment that the pandemic created while providing child-care services for essential workers in the area.

“When the pandemic started and changed our world, DNCU was planning summer community events and sponsorships for a busy season ahead”, says DNCU Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Currie. “Our Community Engagement Specialist, Kristi Salazar, quickly reached out to all of community organizations to find out what we could do to help. Many events were cancelled and we worked diligently to find new ways to help our communities. We appreciate what Ponderosa is doing for the families in Los Alamos County.”

Longtime resident of White Rock and Executive Director at Ponderosa Montessori, Inc, Sharon Seitz explained how DNCU’s efforts are consistent with the credit union’s ongoing goals:

“DNCU’s commitment to support non-profit organizations and keep true to their mission of Improving Lives is what makes our city and region so unique.”

For more information on Del Norte Credit Union’s philanthropic efforts, visit dncu.org

About Del Norte Credit Union, Chartered in 1954, Del Norte Credit Union is a not-for-profit credit union based in New Mexico with a mission of Improving Lives. DNCU offers a wide variety of products and services designed to make members achieve financial success. Today DNCU serves more than 57,000 members throughout New Mexico and the United States.

About Ponderosa Montessori Inc., a 501©3 nonprofit, has served North-Central New Mexico since 1967 and now provides childcare and education for infants through sixth grade, including after-school care. Ponderosa Montessori information may be found at: PonderosaMontessori.com