Northeast Community Credit Union presents donation to Community Action’s Drop-In Center. From left to right: Carmela Conley, NCCU Branch Manager; Bill Browning, Director of Community Services for Community Action, Inc.; Erica LeMire, NCCU Mortgage Processor and Peter DiBenedetto, NCCU Treasurer and CEO.

HAVERHILL, MASS —-December 12, 2006 - Northeast Community Credit Union’s Activity Committee decided to donate more than food as part of their annual food drive this year. They expanded their contribution to include a financial donation as well. Both Holy Angels Food Pantry and Community Action’s Drop-in Center received checks for more than $300.00 in addition to the many food items that were collected.

Each year, credit union employees organize a food drive that results in the donation of non-perishable goods to area food pantries. The food drive is sponsored by the Activities Committee, an employee based group within the credit union that orchestrates monthly events. The events are meant to be both fun and at the same time serve as a fundraiser to support various area organizations.

“Our employees care a great deal about the local community,” stated Peter DiBenedetto, NCCU’s Treasurer/CEO. “I’m very proud to see that their efforts throughout the year culminate in a donation that will help many people in our area.”

Northeast Community Credit Union presents donation to Holy Angels Food Pantry. From left to right: Carmela Conley, NCCU Branch Manager; Joe Farren, Holy Angels Food Pantry; Erica LeMire, NCCU Mortgage Processor and Peter DiBenedetto, NCCU Treasurer and CEO.

Holy Angels Food Pantry regularly assists 90 – 125 families a month. Families come from both the Southern NH and Haverhill areas. Although the food pantry is based in the Holy Angels Catholic Church rectory in Plaistow, it is an ecumenical and community food pantry, serving those that need assistance regardless of religion.

“We are run 100% by a strong volunteer base,” said Joe Farren, a 17-year food pantry volunteer. “Holy Angels depends on donations in order to help the families that need assistance. Financial donations help us to supplement traditional staples – we like to provide fresh fruit and vegetables as well as meat, when we can.”

The Community Action Drop-In Center is a day shelter and a soup kitchen five days a week. Guests include the homeless, the elderly, and people struggling with poverty in Greater Haverhill. It is located at the Universalist Unitarian Church in the lower floor alongside Catholic Charities’ Open Hand Pantry.

“We greatly appreciate the generosity of the employees of Northeast Community Credit Union”, said Bill Browning, Director of Community Services. “Donations provided through Community Action are shared among various food pantries throughout Haverhill. Many people will benefit from this donation.”

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.