(WATERTOWN, N.Y.) — The Volunteer Transportation Center is among nonprofit organizations that have won a $1,000 gift from AmeriCU Credit Union’s first-ever Community Giving Contest.

The contest was designed to support nonprofit organizations making a difference in the community, “creating meaningful connections to make our communities stronger,” according to an AmeriCU press release. The VTC was among 10 local organizations awarded $1,000 as part of a $20,000 initiative benefiting nonprofits who do charitable work in St. Lawrence and Tompkins counties.

The contest, which ran from Nov. 4 through Nov. 20, invited local nonprofits in St. Lawrence County to participate. Through this initiative, AmeriCU aimed to recognize organizations that work tirelessly to improve their communities, ensuring vital resources and services reach those who need them.

“We’re local, and we’re proud to be part of the communities we serve,” said Ron Belle, AmeriCU’s President and CEO. “We believe in the power of giving back and supporting those who work hard to create positive change. Our community organizations play a crucial role, and we are honored to contribute to their missions.”

“We were honored to be invited to put our hat in the ring for this contest, especially because it meant the work we do is recognized as crucial to meet the needs of people in St. Lawrence County and beyond,” said Jeremiah S. Papineau, VTC Foundation Director and Director of Communications. “We cannot thank AmeriCU enough for this amazing gift and for all they do for the community.”

“We especially thank Member Partner Advisor Lisa Wash for encouraging us to enter the contest,” he added. “She’s a great supporter of causes in our community and truly cares about seeing nonprofits like ours succeed.”

Mr. Papineau noted the funding will help the VTC in its mission to offer transportation to health, wellness, and critical needs destinations for those with limited access.

The Community Giving Contest reflects AmeriCU Credit Union’s dedication to its mission of enhancing the financial well-being of its members, while investing in the strength of local communities. Winners were selected from all eligible entries by a panel of judges chosen by AmeriCU Credit Union.

In addition to the VTC, the following organizations who received funding and their missions are as follows:

• The Arc Jefferson – Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
• Morristown Gateway Museum – Showcasing the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
• Victims Assistance Center – Providing resources and advocacy for victims of violence.
• WPBS TV – Promoting education and community engagement through public broadcasting.
• North Country Children’s Museum – Inspiring creativity and learning from children and families.
• United Helpers – Delivering comprehensive care and services to those in need.
• Children’s Home of Jefferson County – Supporting children and families with essential services.
• Amvets Post 265 – Serving Veterans and their families through community initiatives.
• Parishville Sportsmen’s Club Inc – Promoting outdoor activities and conservation efforts.

AmeriCU stated it is “honored to support these organizations, recognizing their incredible work and unwavering dedication to make our communities brighter, stronger, and more connected.” While the contest may be over, AmeriCU continues to support organizations in the community, year-round, through volunteerism and donations.
For more information on AmeriCU Credit Union’s community involvement, or to submit a request form, www.AmeriCU.org.

ABOUT AMERICU CREDIT UNION
As a credit union, AmeriCU is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by our members. Serving 24 counties in New York and beyond, AmeriCU provides its customers with all the products and services needed – often with low or no fees, and better rates. The organization has been serving the local community for over 74 years and, in that time, has grown to more than 167,000 members, 20 financial centers, and $2.7 billion in assets. AmeriCU is located in Central New York and is among the State’s largest, full-service financial cooperatives. For more information, visit www.AmeriCU.org.

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION CENTER

The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC), established in 1991, drives thousands of miles each year assisting community members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties and beyond. Over the last 30 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, food sources and other critical needs destinations for residents.

In 2023, volunteer drivers provided 25,314 charitable trips over 855,471 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 329,819 helped those in Jefferson County, 101,766 in Lewis County, and 423,886 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $427,736 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers. That’s why the community’s help is so important.

The staff, boards of directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to community activities and services is accessible to all North Country residents regardless of economic or specialized needs. But for now the mission drives on — striving to provide transportation to health, wellness and critical needs destinations utilizing volunteers and mobility management for anyone who has barriers to transportation.

For more information about how you can help the Volunteer Transportation Center, about its upcoming events, or to become a volunteer driver, contact the agency in Jefferson and Lewis Counties at 315-788-0422, in St. Lawrence County at 315-714-2034, or Western New York at 585-250-5030. Volunteers drive their own cars, set their own hours and receive mileage reimbursement but, more importantly, make a difference in the community. To learn more, visit www.volunteertransportationcenter.org.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Volunteer Transportation Center is among nonprofit organizations that have won a $1,000 gift from AmeriCU Credit Union’s first-ever Community Giving Contest. Jeremiah S. Papineau, VTC Foundation Director and Director of Communications, second from left, is seen holding a novelty check with AmeriCU representatives. Joining him, from left, are Watertown Branch Manager Andrew Bonney, Member Partner Advisor Lisa Wash, and Teller Advisor Kari Bartlett.