A Michigan credit union made headlines recently by filling a monster truck with school supplies for community children. In Burton, MI, ELGA Credit Union held their 11th annual Pack the Truck event. "The difference between this collection event and others is that the supplies collected and purchased are put right into the hands of the educators at a breakfast that will take place in August," said Karen Church, CEO of ELGA Credit Union. "These are the people who see the needs on a day-to-day basis." This event takes place with the support and help of the Michigan State Police, local firefighters, police officers and city officials. On top of the donations of supplies, the event will also collect over $60,000 in cash donations used to purchase additional supplies. Several local companies are also sponsoring the event including Midwestern grocery chain Meijer.
This event isn't the first time the members of the auto world have rolled up their sleeves to help kids. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently visited the Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH before heading to the Kentucky Speedway for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Once there, Earnhardt visited four patients who will be their guests in the race. The visit was part of a larger pep rally for patients, families and staff at the hospital. "One of the coolest things about the NASCAR community is the generosity of spirit of the people in it," said Tom Jensen of Fox Sports. Also at the event, Earnhardt unveiled the final version of his racecar that features the names of the donors who participated in the "Ride with Dale Jr. to Help Kids Everywhere" fundraiser across the hood.
With back-to-school just around the corner, we're all thinking about the kids more these days. Even if you don't have children, we urge you to take a moment to help support your local school as August approaches by giving a small donation of supplies or badly needed funds.
