TULLAHOMA, Tenn., October 29, 2024 –Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee, today announced donations totaling $13,850 to the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee Chapter’s Disaster Relief Fund to support efforts dedicated to Hurricane Helene recovery. The donations are comprised of $10,000 from Ascend and $3,850 from the credit union’s employees and members. The donations will be available to provide immediate aid to the communities affected.

Credit union employees and members were encouraged to donate online through October 18 to assist individuals and families with immediate recovery needs such as food and shelter.

“The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left many of our fellow Tennesseans to our east facing significant challenges,” said Ascend President and CEO Matt Jernigan. “The catastrophic damage to homes and communities is overwhelming. In times like these, it is the strength of our community and our collective commitment to helping others that truly defines us. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster and exemplify the Ascend Core Values that drive our service-focused mission.”

“We are once again grateful for the generous support from Ascend Federal Credit Union,” said John Mitchell, executive director of the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Services like offering shelter to victims of Hurricane Helene, distributing emergency supplies and supporting our dedicated volunteers are made possible by this kind of support. These funds will help ensure the Red Cross can be there for our neighbors when they need it. The compassion demonstrated by Ascend truly embodies the spirit of community service at the heart of our mission.”

Ascend has been a longtime supporter of American Red Cross chapters in Tennessee through employee and member fundraising campaigns, blood drives, emergency response donations and event sponsorships. In addition, Ascend Chief Strategy Officer Leslie Copeland serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross Heart of Tennessee chapter, which supports Murfreesboro and surrounding counties.

In total, Ascend has contributed more than $128,000 to local American Red Cross chapters.

To donate to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund and help support neighbors in need, go to https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/ascend-emp.html/.

About Ascend Federal Credit Union

With more than 245,000 members and more than $4.4 billion in assets, Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Based in Tullahoma, Tenn., the member-owned financial institution offers banking, loan, retirement, and investment services from its 28 branches, more than 55,000 free ATMs worldwide, digital banking portal, and mobile app. The credit union’s mission is to serve by offering financial literacy education and giving back to its community in a variety of ways. Ascend is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. For more information, visit ascend.org.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or on Twitter at @RedCross.

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