OPINION: Thumbs up to credit union for 'Tree' campaign

Thumbs up to Health Facilities Federal Credit Union for its “Don’t Just Save a Tree, Plant One” campaign. This spring, the credit union offered its members a chance to sign up for eStatements and, at the same time, give back to the city of Florence, Keep Florence Beautiful and The Arbor Foundation by planting trees. “Since I sit on the KFB committee, I thought this would be a perfect test that if HFFCU can take a green concept and bring it to life, then that will show other local businesses that they, too, can give back to their communities,” Michelle Bailey, the credit union’s marketing manager, said. “With the support of CEO Robert Harris and the staff we started the campaign. ... I never would have imagined that we would be planting 155 trees in Florence.” Tom Shearin, Florence’s special services administrator, said the city appreciates the credit union’s commitment. “Health Facilities Federal Credit Union has always been a very dedicated, community-minded corporate citizen by being first in line to offer its services and employees to assist the city of Florence and all its residents with our attempts to keep our city clean,” Shearin said. “Now that commitment is being reinforced again with its members stepping forward by committing to keeping the city of Florence green.” Julian Young, chairman of Keep Florence Beautiful Committee, said the credit union’s latest gift to the city of 155 trees will ensure Florence maintains a healthy and beautiful landscape. “I applaud such meaningful efforts that will keep our cityscape beautiful and strong,” he said. “Another step in the right direction has been taken by our citizens.” We agree.

Thumbs up to Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund for making its final $10,500 pledge payment for Williamsburg Technical College Foundation’s Campaign for Community Enrichment. Firestone was the first corporate sponsor to make a significant pledge of $101,250 to the campaign. The money will be used for significant expansion needs at the college. Firestone also has made contributions to the college’s scholarship drive, the Campaign for Educational Enrichment, which will provide financial assistance to qualified students, paid for by the interest on the corpus of the donation through the Firestone Endowed Scholarship.

Thumbs up to Firehouse Subs and its nonprofit Public Safety Foundation for donating much-needed equipment to the Palmetto Rural Fire Department on July 21. The founders’ 200-year firefighting heritage inspired the formation of the Public Safety Foundation in 2005, and the Palmetto Rural Fire Department benefits with the new addition of a 6000 PSI cylinder cascade air system with fill station, allowing firefighters to obtain oxygen during a fire. While volunteers account for 80 percent of the department, this donation is essential, as all funding goes toward the maintenance of vehicles and personnel. The foundation’s funds for equipment are raised through individual donations, pickle bucket sales and canisters placed by registers. Each restaurant recycles leftover five-gallon pickle buckets and allows customers to purchase them for $2. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofit’s mission and collect change and cash for the foundation. The foundation’s mission is to improve the life-saving capabilities of emergency services in communities served by Firehouse Subs by providing funding, resources and support to deserving public safety entities. For more information, visit www.firehousesubs.com.