Stuff the Bus 2017

July 15, 2017: It is estimated that over 2,800 children in Erie County will lack the supplies they need when school starts back up this August.  A few years ago, several non-profits and area businesses created the “Stuff the Bus Erie County” campaign.  VacationLand Federal Credit Union is proud to once again partner with The United Way of Erie County, The Volunteer Center, and the Sandusky Mall to provide backpacks filled with supplies to children whose families are in need.  The goal of the committee is to distribute 500 backpacks to students entering grades K-5 during the 2017/2018 school year within the school districts of Sandusky City, Perkins Township, Sandusky Central Catholic, Edison, Vermilion, and Margaretta.  

The Stuff the Bus Committee is asking for the community’s assistance to reach this goal.  Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to support this initiative by becoming a donation drop off site, conducting an internal collection, or making a monetary contribution.  Interested organizations should contact the United Way office at 419-625-4672.  Residents can participate by donating new backpacks and school supplies starting July 1^st at any of the public drop off locations.  Click here to download a copy of the supply list.  

Donations will be accepted at the following VLFCU branches: 

• 2911 S. Hayes Ave., Sandusky
• 2409 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky
• 2402 University Dr., Huron
• 295 Milan Ave., Norwalk
• 1607 SR 60 N., Vermilion

The campaign will conclude during a wrap up event on August 12, 2017, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Sandusky Mall. Click here to view details about collection sites and the wrap up event. You can also follow the campaign on the Stuff the Bus Erie County Facebook page! 

June 1, 2017:  At the close of the 2017 school year, six very deserving VLFCU student members, who have plans to pursue post-secondary studies at college in the fall, were each awarded a $500 scholarship from the credit union. This annual scholarship program, which has been in existence since 1996, recognizes and honors student members who have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and active involvement in their schools and communities.

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

Nick Frederick:  Nick is an Edison High School graduate who plans to attend The Ohio State University this fall to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with the desire to attend law school. While attending Edison HS, Nick was involved in Academic Challenge, football, baseball, basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Cole Good: Cole is a Perkins High School graduate who plans to attend BGSU Firelands in the fall and study accounting to become a CPA. His goal is to one day work for a large corporation or own his own business. During his years at Perkins, Cole was involved in football, basketball, and track. 

Elizabeth Snell:  Elizabeth is a graduate of St. Mary’s Central Catholic High School. Elizabeth plans to attend St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame and major in Digital Media and English Writing with a minor in Film Studies. During her years at SMCC High School, she was involved in Academic Challenge, marching band, several school musicals, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Brookttanna Fox:  Brookttanna is a graduate of Sandusky High School and has been accepted to Kent State University where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. While attending SHS, Brookttanna participated in softball, volleyball, student council, marching band, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Jacob Luma: Jacob is a graduate of Margaretta High School. Jacob plans to attend the University of Toledo this fall to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to one day become a Nurse Practitioner. During his years at MHS, he was involved in football, baseball, power lifting, SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions) and was a member of the National Honor Society.

Britain Bennett: Britain is a graduate of Perkins High School and plans to attend The Ohio State University this fall majoring in Broadcast Journalism. During her years at PHS, Britain participated in chorale and chamber choir, Teen Pep, Pirates for Peers, was a cheerleader for both football and basketball, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She is also the 2016 Miss Heart of Ohio Teen USA.  

The entire VLFCU staff congratulates these young people for their outstanding accomplishments.  We wish them continued success in their course of studies and their chosen career paths.

Can it really be October already? It's been awhile since we have posted, but where did the time go? Let's see if we can explain this...

Summer was a very busy time for us as we planned the 60th Anniversary Celebration and held our 60 Prizes in 60 Days contest.  Our marketing coordinator, Heather, had a great time putting smiles on members' faces as she had the pleasure of calling each one to let them know they had won.  Our branches were busy with members taking advantage of the 60th Anniversary Unsecured Loan and Visa Balance Tranfer promotions that were offered to help them save on interest.  And on September 21st, about 200 members joined us as the Hayes Avenue Branch to celebrate what is most important to us....OUR MEMBERS! 

VLFCU was also a major sponsor of Stuff the Bus Erie County.  The cuBe truck hit the streets to pick up donations at local businesses before the Wrap Up event at the Sandusky Mall in early August.  Thanks to generous community members and organizations, 300 students attending Sandusky, Sandusky Central Catholic, and Perkins Local Schools received a new backpack stuffed with school supplies.  We thank our partners in this endeavor: The Sandusky Mall, United Way of Erie County, Sandusky Volunteer Center, and Ohio Business College and to the volunteers who helped unload, sort, inventory, and pack the supplies! 

So, what's on the horizon?  At VLFCU we are always working on the next  contribution, and the holiday season is certainly critical to our community.  Here are ways that we are giving back this season with help from our members and local residents. 

Coats for Caring:  November 1 - December 3, 2016.  Drop off gently used winter coats and apparel at any VLFCU branch or during the BAS Broadcasting Coats for Caring Event at the Sandusky Mall on December 3rd.  Look for the VLFCU cuBe truck near center court. Donations will benefit families served by the Erie and Huron County Departments of Jobs & Family Services.

VLFCU Annual Toy Drive: November 1 - December 10, 2016:  Drop off new, unwrapped toys or make a monetary donation at any VLFCU branch.  We will also host a wrap-up event with activities for the kids at the Sandusky Mall on December 10th.  Donations will benefit families served by the Erie and Huron County Departments of Jobs & Family Services. 

Salvation Army Red Kettle Fund: November 1 - December 31, 2016: Buy a delicious candy bar for $1 when you visit any VLFCU branch and the proceeds will be donated to the Sandusky Salvation Army.  Try a different one each time you visit!  They also make great stocking stuffers! 

So as you can see, it's really easy to get into the holiday spirit at VLFCU!  You don't have to spend much to help make the holiday bright.  We hope to see you soon!   

Debit MasterCard® Members - Please take note that fraudulent activity has increased drastically across the United States.  Purchases made with your VLFCU Debit MasterCard® currently require the use of your PIN at merchants designated as grocery, department stores, pharmacies, and discount stores across the country.  Please choose “debit card” at the register and enter your 4 digit PIN number when making purchases at such merchants.  Your card may not be accepted as a “credit card” outside of our local area.

VLFCU members can rest assured that you will not be liable for any fraudulent charges applied to your Debit MasterCard®.  Should you suspect fraud, please call our Card Department during business hours at 419-625-9025, option 4.  After hours, please call 1.800.264.5578. Also remember to call us if you will be traveling outside Ohio so we can activate your card within the area of your travel.    

At VacationLand FCU, your financial security is our top priority!  Please call us if you have any questions regarding this issue or any other matter regarding your accounts.

For twenty years VLFCU has recognized the efforts put forth by those members pursuing a college degree.  Although we received many qualified candidates, our committee was able to reach an agreement on the six scholarship recipients and award each with $500 to use towards their postsecondary education.   We would like to congratulate all graduates of the Class of 2016 as we recognize the achievements of the following students.   

Stanley Gilbert III:  Stanley is a graduate of the Sandusky High School and has been accepted into the College of Engineering at the University of Toledo.  His goal is to return to our area in the future and become a mechanical engineer for the NASA Plumbrook Station.  While at Sandusky High School, Stanley participated in bowling, golf, National Honor Society, National Technical Honors Society, marching band, symphonic band, and orchestra.  He also volunteered for Zion Lutheran Church’s Vocational Bible School, the Crossroads Homeless Shelter, and the St. John’s Community Garden.

Jonathan Guerrero: Jonathan is a graduate of Huron High School where he was a member of the National Honor Society, choir, chorale, and the singles tennis team.  He volunteered for the Ohio Veterans’ Home, and is a student leader for his church’s youth group.  Jonathan aspires to become an attorney and plans to study political science and history at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Alexandria Osborn:  Alexandria graduated from Norwalk High School and will be attending Kent State University this fall to pursue a degree in Speech Pathology.  Her extracurricular activities included the Foreign Language Club, Key Club, and volleyball team.  Currently she is employed by the Cameo Pizza at Eagle Creek Golf Club and by A-1 Auto Sales in Norwalk. 

Madison Paden:  Madison is a graduate of Vermilion High School where she graduated within the top 10% of her class.  She participated in the National Honors Society, Scholastic Art Show, Model UN, and cross country.  Outside of school, she competed with a community youth choir.  Madison is pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University in order to reach her career goal of researching organ regenerative medicine. 

Erica Reber:  Erica graduated from Edison High School and plans to attend Kent State University where she will major in Pre-Med.  Her school involvement included volleyball, basketball, softball, Academic Challenge team, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Key Club, Math Club, Student Council, and Buckeye Girls State.  Erica volunteered for Firelands Regional Medical Center, her church, and was a peer tutor. 

Gregory Sennish: Gregory is a graduate of Perkins High School and has been accepted by Kent State University where he will pursue dual degrees in Graphic Design and Computer Animation.  He plans to pursue a career in television and film production.  Gregory’s high school involvement included marching band, student council and the Drama Club.  He is employed by Cinemark Stadium.