13 local children benefit from Benchmark’s holiday program
WEST CHESTER » For the staff of Benchmark Federal Credit Union, the season of giving doesn’t mean “giving up” during COVID-19. It means continuing to give to the local community.
Even though many of Benchmark FCU’s staff worked from home this year in “COVID casual,” they kept up the 10-year tradition of making an annual donation for the privilege of wearing jeans to work each Friday. Benchmark staff collected $2,000 to donate to Jennifer Lopez, the executive director of Friends Association in West Chester.
Friends Association provides emergency shelter and prevention services for families facing homelessness or housing instability in Chester County.
In addition, more than half of Benchmark’s staff decided to “adopt” a child from Family Service of Chester County, based in West Chester. Staff purchased presents on the gift lists of 13 local children, including brand new scooters, nerf guns, puzzles, clothes and more. Then they assembled a team to drop off the wrapped gifts to the staff at Family Service.
Says Daniel J. Machon Jr., president and CEO of Benchmark Federal Credit Union, “Every year our holiday donation drive to a local nonprofit includes a donation from Benchmark Federal Credit Union, as well as any employees who would like to contribute individually. We were thrilled when more employees than ever decided to participate this year, despite the challenges we are all facing during COVID-19. It shows how much the Benchmark staff cares about the community we serve.”
Says Amy DeFonzo, of
Family Service of Chester County, “This has been such a challenging year for so many of the families in our program. These gifts from Benchmark Federal Credit Union will bring much-needed joy this holiday season.”
As the only federal credit union to exclusively serve Chester County, Benchmark Federal Credit Union supports more than 20 community events and organizations each year. It has branches in West Chester and Phoenixville.