First Trust Credit Union presents a $15,000 check to The Salvation Army of Michigan City as a donation of behalf of their credit card partner, Elan Credit Card.

First Trust Credit Union was honored to present their local charity partner, The Salvation Army of Michigan City, a significant donation of $15,000. This donation was provided by First Trust’s credit card program partner, Elan Credit Card (Elan), as part of their charitable giving program. 

To continue their commitment to partners and their local communities, Elan selected 25 new credit union partners to designate a charity in their community to receive a $15,000 donation on the credit union’s behalf, and First Trust was delighted to be chosen as one of them. 

First Trust’s Michigan City branch has partnered with The Salvation Army of Michigan City for over 20 years through providing donations, sponsoring events, and organizing the annual STUFF A BUS fundraising event where the community comes together to hold the year’s biggest food drive at local Supermarkets to restock The Salvation Army’s food pantry shelves for the fall/holiday season. First Trust has other fundraising events throughout the year, including hosting an Angel Tree every December for The Salvation Army where members of the credit union and employees donate gifts for children in need between the ages of birth -14 years old for the holiday season. 

First Trust’s President/CEO, Kim Kniola, said choosing The Salvation Army as their long-time charity partner is an evident choice because they have similar goals. "The Salvation Army and First Trust Credit Union are both driven to help people," Kniola said. "The credit union’s motto is ‘People Helping People’ and The Salvation Army’s motto is ‘Doing the Most Good’ in our communities." 

The Salvation Army provides the largest food pantry in La Porte County, a Diaper Bank, Utility Assistance, Clothing Closet, Summer Camp, Thanksgiving meal and Christmas Toys & Food. Major Becky Simmons of The Salvation Army in Michigan City was extremely thankful for this unexpected donation. She stated, "Partnerships like this (with First Trust) are key as we strive to serve those most in need in our community."

According to First Trust’s Marketing Director, Dorene Martinson, the credit union partners with several non-profit organizations within their four branch locations of Michigan City, LaPorte, Valparaiso, and Wheatfield, IN. "We thank Elan for their generosity, and our members and employees for the efforts and donations they continuously give to all our charity partners," Martinson stated. "Credit unions are cooperatives that value giving back to the community in which we live, and we make that a priority at First Trust Credit Union." 

Elan Credit Card General Manager, John Owens, shared, "Over the last year we’ve heard and seen firsthand how our charitable giving program is making an impact. These nonprofits are doing incredible work for community members and it’s an honor for us to be able to support them." 

To learn more about all 25 organizations, credit unions, and the impact Elan is making in communities through its 2023 charitable giving initiative visit www.elancharitablegiving.com.

About Elan Credit Card Elan partners with credit unions through our outsourced credit card program, mortgage solutions, and all-in-one merchant processing platform, talech®. Our dedication to our partners, growth philosophy, and investment in technology has made us a leader in the industry since 1968. Our approach offers expertise while removing costs, reducing risks, and improving the cardmember experience. Learn more about our innovative solutions for consumer and business accounts of all sizes. www.cupartnership.com