You - through your credit union - contribute funds to more than 180 charities and fundraisers each year in San Antonio and Houston. We have listed a few of our major efforts below, with links to information about some of those events. Watch our newsletters and Web site for opportunities to become involved in these community outreach programs.

ExCEL Award Program - Since 1999, SACU has recognized excellence in education in our public schools, in partnership with KENS 5 Television, presenting a trophy and cash award to 19 outstanding educators each school year in the Greater San Antonio area.

Park Restoration and Xeriscaping - We've done Xeriscaping in San Pedro Springs, Woodlawn Lake Park, Madison Square Park, Cortez Library and Semmes Library/Comanche Peak Park! We help create a beautiful and lasting tribute to our community with KSTX/KTXI Public Radio as our partner, promoting community education about water-wise and low-maintenance planting, water conservation, recycling and composting. Watch for opportunities to volunteer in our September Seasons newsletter.

United Way - As a Pacesetter organization, SACU gives generously and early each year to encourage other corporate donors to contribute. These donations touch hundreds of nonprofits in our community and make lives better for many in need. In 2005, SACU corporate and employee donations totaled $150,000.

Credit Unions for Kids - Donations from SACU members and employees support this program, which helps fund the Children’s Miracle Network, providing medical care to needy children in our local hospitals. Numerous activities, including raffles and bowl-a-thons, raise money throughout the year for this worthy project.

Elf Louise Toy Drive and Adopt-a-Family - SACU Toy Stations are drop-off locations in our 15 full-service branches for members to donate new toys. Employee groups provide holiday gifts, food, clothing and furniture to needy families.

San Antonio Shred Day - On Saturday following April 15 each year, SACU partners with local shredding companies and the San Antonio Chapter - Association of Records Managers and Administrators (ARMA) to host Shred Day, an event to fight Identity Theft. Any member of the community is invited to bring up to 100 pounds of sensitive documents and papers to SACU branch locations to be shredded onsite without charge. Donations to ARMA are accepted,

People Helping People Affordable Housing - SACU and its community partners have created a nationally recognized program to build affordable housing communities. Since 1996, our credit union has been actively involved in this successful program that provides loans for affordable homes. We also partner in the education and counseling of future home buyers to ensure that they will be successful home owners. Cumulatively, SACU has invested almost $11 million in loans to the underserved.