One of my favorite things about the holiday season is how it brings out the best in people, and how the spirit of giving truly takes over. It seems as if we’re all warmer, more mindful of others, and quicker to do good. Our schedules are often busy, yet we give our time more freely. We visit friends and neighbors with plates and baskets of goodies. We open our wallets more readily and give our spare change—and often much more—to help the less fortunate among us. And nowhere is that spirit more evident than in the members of our credit union. Your generosity never ceases to amaze and humble me, and I thought it would be appropriate to report on some of the causes your giving has helped us support this year.

The America First Charitable Foundation was founded to help lift people and meet their basic needs. It focuses on providing clothing, meals, housing, and educational support through shelters, food pantries, schools, and military and veterans organizations across the states we serve. It’s 100% funded by member and community contributions, and 100% of those funds are dispersed to the causes and charities we work alongside.

In all, we support over 80 different organizations—including the Honor Flight Network, The Road Home, SafeNest, Three Square, “and justice for all,” the Idaho Food Bank, the Crisis Center of Arizona, For the Kids, and United Food Bank, to highlight just a few—and our employees are on track to have donated nearly 6,000 hours in community service by the end of the year.

As I have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful organizations, what strikes me most is how much need exists in our own backyards. Especially when it comes to hunger. Which is why our Annual Food Drive is so important. This year was our most successful drive ever—we were able to collect 7,801 pounds of nonperishable food items and 4,618 pounds of meat, which we donated to 15 food banks and pantries who used it to provide 359,089 meals in five states.

Undoubtedly, each of us already has a cause to contribute to during the holidays. However, if your charitable budget isn’t fully spoken for, or if you’re able to give a little more, please consider a small donation to the America First Charitable Foundation.

If each of our 1.3 million members gave just one more dollar, it would significantly increase our ability to help. You can donate online at give.americafirst.com/general or at your neighborhood branch. All resources we receive will go to those who most need our support.

Thank you for helping your credit union make a difference in the community, and for continuing to allow us to help you pursue your financial goals. On behalf of all our amazing employees and volunteers, I wish you warmth, joy, and happiness during this holiday season and prosperity in the new year.