Educational, New Century and Quest Credit Unions in Topeka will be “making your day” today as representatives surprise local residents by giving away free fuel. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. the credit unions will be at Washburn Auto Service Center at 2236 SW Washburn to give away $2,500 worth of $20 vouchers for gasoline or other Washburn Auto services. The event is part of a collaborative, statewide effort by Kansas credit unions to make a difference in their communities.
Nineteen credit unions in 18 locations are participating. Locations include Arkansas City, Atchison, Augusta, Blue Rapids, Clay Center, Derby, El Dorado, Emporia, Hanover, Lawrence, Marysville, Ness City, Newton, Oberlin, Topeka, Waterville, Wichita and Winfield.
A total of $32,000 worth of cash, gift cards or gas will be given away during this statewide event.
“Something as simple as paying for a tank of gas can brighten a person’s day. It can have a ripple effect. Maybe that person will do something nice for someone else,” added Jennifer Kirmse, Vice President, Business Development, Educational Credit Union.
“We care about our community and want to give back to the people we serve,” said Tina Pfeifer Communications and Marketing Manager, New Century Credit Union. “This is a simple way of illustrating the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”
“Joining forces to do something special for the community is an excellent opportunity to highlight both local credit unions and local businesses,” said Valerie Taylor, Vice President, Business Development, Quest Credit Union. “More importantly, we enjoy being part of the surprise, the random act of kindness.”
This is the sixth event of this kind. The events are held in October and May and have grown since the first one in 2012. After today’s event, Kansas credit unions will have given away a combined $118,000 in the form of gift cards, cash, gas or free food to unsuspecting Kansas consumers. These “Make a Difference” events are part of the Kansas Credit Union Association statewide awareness campaign. A seventh event is being planned for October 2015.