The credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” extends to Indiana’s most seriously ill and injured children during the holidays, as more than 40 credit unions and service centers at 74 locations in 34 cities across Indiana sell IPL Light Up a Child’s Life Holiday Card.

Proceeds go directly to Riley Hospital for Children as part of the Credit Unions for Kids campaign, helping to pay for educational programs that help Riley patients keep up with their school work, and special activities that help take the children’s minds off their treatments. 

“When you send a Riley Holiday Card, you’re not just sending good wishes to those on your “nice” list. You’re giving hope to Hoosier children, who make 200,000 visits to Riley each year,” said Kay Neidlinger, vice president of communications for the Indiana Credit Union League. “Participating credit unions in Indiana helped raise $13,000 for Riley Hospital through this program in 2004, and with the support of so many credit unions and credit union members, we are on track to raise more this year.”

To find a credit union location near you, visit http://www.icul.org/RileyParticipants.asp.

These cards feature seasonal designs created by young patients from Elkhart, Indianapolis, Jasper, Madison and Richmond, Ind.  On the back of each card, the child’s name, school, photo and diagnosis appears. Last year, the holiday card program brought in nearly $195,000 to the Riley Children’s Foundation, the fund-raising organization for Riley Hospital.

Long a significant supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network, the Credit Unions for Kids program in Indiana raises money for the state’s only comprehensive children’s hospital. Children’s Miracle Network has become the charity of choice for America’s credit unions for one simple reason: 100% of all funds raised stay local.

Holiday cards are just one way Indiana’s credit unions support Riley Hospital for Children throughout the year. Credit unions’ 2005-06 fundraising season began July 1 and will continue through June 1, 2006. Credit unions across Indiana organize a variety of fundraising projects; collectively, Indiana’s credit unions host a springtime charity auction on eBay to raise money through the Credit Unions for Kids program.  For each of the past three years, Indiana’s credit unions have contributed approximately $90,000 to the hospital.