Five Credit Unions Mark International Credit Union Day with $15,385 Contribution and Community Service

TACOMA, WA - October 19, 2026 - Five Washington credit unions came together on International Credit Union Day to support local students and families through a collective contribution valued at $15,385 to Tacoma Public Schools and hands-on volunteer projects in Tacoma and Lakewood.

BECU, Gesa Credit Union, O Bee Credit Union, Sound Credit Union, and TAPCO Credit Union collaborated on the effort on Thursday, Oct. 15, demonstrating a shared commitment to cooperation and community impact.

The contribution helped address needs across Tacoma Public Schools in three areas: snacks for students participating in after-school programs, radio sets for Beyond the Bell programs, and graduation-related expenses for students.

Budget reductions have affected the district's ability to provide items such as snacks for students participating in after-school activities. The credit unions donated snacks to help support students during these programs.

The contribution also supported radio sets for Beyond the Bell, an after-school program offered at elementary schools throughout Tacoma Public Schools. To support program operations, a minimum of 24 radios are needed at each participating location. Radio sets are planned for Arlington, Birney, Blix, Edison, Fawcett, Fern Hill, Grant, Larchmont, Lister, Manitou Park, Stafford, and Travis elementary schools.

Another portion of the contribution will support graduation-related expenses that can present financial barriers for students as they work toward graduation and participation in their graduation ceremonies.

Representatives from the five credit unions gathered with Tacoma Public Schools at the TPS McKinley School District Office, 3702 E. McKinley Ave. in Tacoma. The event included the donation of after-school snacks, a ceremonial check presentation, and photos with representatives from the participating organizations.

Following the presentation, credit union employees volunteered at two community locations.

At STAR Center, managed by Parks Tacoma, volunteers worked on landscaping near the playground, including pruning, weeding, mulching three garden beds, and other projects. The work supported ongoing efforts to create a cleaner and more welcoming environment for children and families who use the park.

A second group volunteered at the Lakewood branch of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, located at the Gary & Carol Milgard Family HOPE Center. Volunteers helped prepare Halloween decorations for the Club's annual festival for local youth.

International Credit Union Day® celebrates the spirit of the global credit union movement and provides an opportunity to reflect on its history, recognize its achievements, and highlight the impact credit unions make for their members and communities. Celebrated annually on the third Thursday of October since 1948, the 2026 observance marked the 78th International Credit Union Day under the theme, "Cooperative Finance: A Steady Signal in a Noisy World."

About BECU
With more than 1.5 million members and $29.4 billion in assets, BECU is the largest not-for-profit credit union in Washington and one of the top five financial cooperatives in the country. As a member-owned credit union, BECU is focused on helping increase the financial well-being of its members and communities through great rates, few fees, community partnerships, and financial education. The credit union currently operates 70 financial centers, including two in South Carolina.

About Gesa Credit Union
Gesa Credit Union is one of Washington's largest credit unions, with approximately $6.8 billion in assets and over 326,000 members across the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa is a full-service financial institution offering consumer, mortgage, business, and government-guaranteed lending products and services, and is the #1 SBA credit union lender in Washington for three consecutive years. Gesa also operates student-run branches at Washington State University and high schools across Washington State. The Gesa Community Foundation, established in 2022, supports Gesa's ongoing commitment to local communities through grants, youth scholarships, and free financial education resources.

About O Bee Credit Union
O Bee Credit Union is a not-for-profit, Member-owned financial cooperative dedicated to improving the financial well-being of its Members and the communities it serves. With a strong presence in the South Puget Sound, O Bee takes pride in understanding the unique needs of its Members and providing personalized service, competitive financial products, and solutions that help them achieve their goals.

About Sound Credit Union
Sound Credit Union was founded in 1940 and today is one of Washington State's largest credit unions. With 26 full-service branch locations throughout the Puget Sound area, Sound provides their over 186,000 members with authentic and trusted financial support and services. Sound is driven by the purpose of standing with members, employees, and the community through all waves of life.

About TAPCO Credit Union
TAPCO Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving individuals and businesses in Washington State. Since 1934, TAPCO has remained committed to improving financial well-being through personalized service, competitive products, and authentic community engagement. TAPCO offers a wide range of financial services including savings accounts, checking accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and business banking solutions.