No one ever expects disasters such as Hurricane Katrina or the massive Midwestern flooding of 2008. These kinds of tragedies are unthinkable. But when disaster does strike, credit union employees and members band together to help out, through the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) Disaster Relief Fund.

Helping Those in Need
During a disaster, the NCUF works to raise funds to aid fellow credit union employees and members in need. These funds are used for immediate help, like food, water and shelter, and more long-term recovery needs, such as household items and vehicles. The fund can also help credit unions get back up and running after a disaster. The fund provides grants to help set up temporary offices, hire temporary staff, provide counseling for those affected by the disaster and repair buildings.

Because credit unions are in the business of helping people, the NCUF Disaster Relief Fund serves to help credit unions when a disaster strikes in their neighborhoods. During the 2008 floods, many credit unions closed and their employees and members suffered extensive damage to their homes. The NCUF Disaster Relief Fund stepped in to help sandbag credit unions and homes, and provided emergency supplies.

The Credit Union Difference
The NCUF Disaster Relief Fund is just one more example of credit unions pooling their resources to serve members. It's just one of the many reasons being part of a credit union is different. As a not-for-profit organization, Chaco CU exists to help you, the member, not to make a profit for shareholders. We are here to help you with whatever life brings, whether it's setting up a college savings account for your child, providing a loan for your first home or helping you out should the unthinkable happen.

For more information about the NCUF Disaster Relief Fund, and how you can make a donation, visit www.cuaid.coop. Or visit our Web site, www.chacocu.org, to find out how you can join Chaco CU in helping out in our community.