HAVERHILL, MA —- May 9, 2006…Thanks to the generosity of the members of Northeast Community Credit Union, the children who attend Community Action Incorporated’s Head Start program at the Goldman Center are experiencing the excitement that comes from a good book. Last week the credit union distributed books collected through its annual spring children’s book drive. This year’s drive resulted in the collection of nearly 900 new and gently used children’s books, the most the credit union has collected in the three years it has been participating in the drive.

“We really appreciate all of the wonderful books,” said Jill Sullivan, Goldman Center Director. “This isn’t the first time Northeast Community Credit Union has shared books with us. We are grateful for the generosity of their members and their support of Head Start.”

The Goldman Center serves over 30 children from Haverhill. All of the children will be able to enjoy the books both at school as well as at home. The donated books will also be shared with Community Action’s Bradford Head Start.

“Part of Northeast Community Credit Union’s philosophy is to support the needs of our local communities – those areas in which our members live,” said Peter Di Benedetto, Treasurer/CEO. “We are pleased to provide continued support to the children at the Goldman Center. The joy of reading is a terrific gift to give to a child, and we love sharing in their excitement.”

The credit union will also distribute books to Rockingham Community Action in Southern New Hampshire, another area with a large concentration of members. Rockingham Community Action provides Head Start and literary services programs for children in Rockingham County, NH, from birth to 5th grade.

The book drive is organized by the Massachusetts Credit Union League. The drive originated through a long-term partnership between the Massachusetts Credit Union League and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Since its inception, nearly 100,000 books have been collected and distributed across the state.

Northeast Community Credit Union is a community-based credit union. Founded in 1934, Northeast Community Credit Union provides a wide array of financial services, including home mortgages, free checking and on-line bill pay as well as complementary financial planning services for all members through a partnership with Northeast Planning Associates. The credit union serves more than 11,000 members in the Essex County, Ma; Middlesex County, Ma; and Rockingham County, NH areas. For more information, call 978-374-4533.