For local credit unions, Maine Highlands FCU, with offices in Dexter, Brownville, Guilford, Dover-Foxcroft and Greenville, registered 680 volunteer hours, and Sebasticook Valley FCU of Corrina, Newport and Pittsfield, recorded 633 volunteer hours.

The nine year-old, award-winning program documented the number of hours volunteered by credit union staff and directors from January 1 – December 31, 2010. Since it began in 2002, the program has documented more than 180,000 volunteer hours by credit union staff and directors.

Based on figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which calculates the value of one hour volunteered in Maine at $16.53, the value of the time volunteered by Maine’s credit unions equaled $518,000 in 2010.

According to the Maine Credit Union League, which coordinates the Program, more than 2,000 individuals, including credit union staff and board members, spent time volunteering in their communities this past year. An average of 334 credit union staff and directors volunteered each month in 2010.

In 2010, the top five credit unions contributing the most volunteer hours were (location of main office and total hours listed in parentheses): Saco Valley CU in Saco (3,808); Community CU in Lewiston (2,562.25); University CU in Orono (2,388.50); Rainbow FCU in Lewiston (2,301); and Five County CU in Bath (2,108). The top five credit unions with the highest average number of individuals volunteering each month were (number in parentheses represents people): University CU in Orono (30); Maine Savings FCU in Hampden (24); Saco Valley CU in Saco (19); Rainbow FCU in Lewiston (18); and Community CU in Lewiston and Five County CU in Bath tied for fifth place with an average of 16 staff members volunteering each month.

“Credit unions were formed by volunteers and, to this day, are still governed by a volunteer board of directors. The participation and involvement on the part of Maine credit unions in the communities they serve is a commitment that credit unions take very seriously. From working to end hunger to taking a leadership role in helping to bring financial education to students in record numbers, giving back through time is a core value and philosophy of Maine’s credit unions. Volunteering is part of the fabric of what credit unions are all about,” remarked John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.

Jon Paradise, Governmental and Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, said credit unions volunteer in their communities nearly every single day. “Credit union staff and directors are active on non-profit boards, helping in schools and at soup kitchens, as well as countless other activities and events. The reason is simple – helping others is the right thing to do.”

In 2010, the Program averaged 2,612 hours volunteered per month, a 31% increase over the previous year, with an average of 334 volunteers participating which is nearly double 2009 participation levels. Credit Unions Share for ME tracks and updates the volunteer efforts of credit unions on a monthly basis.

Paradise also said that these figures are only the documented figures provided by participating credit unions so the actual number is likely significantly higher but we are pleased with the growth the program experienced in the past year.

This program began during National Volunteer Week nine years ago so the previous year’s figures at this time each year. It highlights and recognizes the hundreds of individuals who volunteer and are involved with causes and activities in their communities throughout the year.

About the Maine Credit Union League
Formed in 1938, the Maine Credit Union League is the State Trade Association for Maine’s 64 credit unions providing a variety of services and products to assist credit unions in meeting the needs of their membership. For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.