ARTICLE
A team of Hawaii Central FCU staff volunteered to spread a little holiday cheer to the teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), Waianae Clubhouse. “The boys were so excited about the hats and were already planning outfits to match,” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Development Director. Azaylia, who is 14, said with so much excitement, “Wow, McDonald’s gift cards! Now I can get food after school!” “Only about a quarter of the way through our end of year fundraiser, having Hawaii Central FCU approach us in this way and knowing other organizations in our community believe in our mission is a real boost!” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Director of Development whose passion shines through as a beneficiary of BGCH programs. Although the BGCH receives in-kind donations from multiple donors during the holiday season “Our teens are often overlooked,” she continued. BGCH serves a diverse population of youth ages 7 to 17, primarily from under-resourced communities. Many of their members come from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander backgrounds (50%), and a significant portion face socio-economic challenges, with 96% living in low to very low-income households. Through 9 Clubhouses and outreach services, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii reaches over 10,000 young people each year. “Teens have unique needs,” explained Jones who suggested that “gift cards to McDonald’s or Taco Bell would be a real treat.” In addition to McDonalds Gift cards, each teen received “Conquer Life” gear, produced specifically to raise awareness around the Student Choice student loan program for students who demonstrate financial need beyond what is available through traditional sources. “It’s moments like this that remind us how impactful your support is,” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Development Director. Hawaii Central staff worked hard and, with the support of their coworkers, were able to raise enough funds to purchase $20 McDonald’s gift cards for all 56 Club teens at the Waianae Clubhouse. Residual funds, after the purchase of gift cards, were donated to the BGCH year end fundraiser. "Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide brighter futures for Hawai?i’s keiki," Jones emphasized. "With just a few weeks left in our year-end fundraiser, we invite everyone to visit bgch.com and support our mission to ensure every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered." Helping local teens as they transition into their adult life is important to Hawaii Central FCU and, in the coming year, the credit union has plans to address financial literacy needs among BGCH teens. BGCH Development Director Inglish Jones picked up gift bags from the King Street Branch and took a picture with staff. About Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is recognized by FORBES as a top Credit Union in the State of Hawaii. Founded in 1937, Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 16,000 members and has nearly $300 million in assets. Membership is open to all individuals who live, work, worship or attend school on Oahu. Businesses and other legal entities on the island are also eligible for membership.
A team of Hawaii Central FCU staff volunteered to spread a little holiday cheer to the teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), Waianae Clubhouse.
“The boys were so excited about the hats and were already planning outfits to match,” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Development Director.
Azaylia, who is 14, said with so much excitement, “Wow, McDonald’s gift cards! Now I can get food after school!”
“Only about a quarter of the way through our end of year fundraiser, having Hawaii Central FCU approach us in this way and knowing other organizations in our community believe in our mission is a real boost!” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Director of Development whose passion shines through as a beneficiary of BGCH programs. Although the BGCH receives in-kind donations from multiple donors during the holiday season “Our teens are often overlooked,” she continued.
BGCH serves a diverse population of youth ages 7 to 17, primarily from under-resourced communities. Many of their members come from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander backgrounds (50%), and a significant portion face socio-economic challenges, with 96% living in low to very low-income households. Through 9 Clubhouses and outreach services, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii reaches over 10,000 young people each year.
“Teens have unique needs,” explained Jones who suggested that “gift cards to McDonald’s or Taco Bell would be a real treat.”
In addition to McDonalds Gift cards, each teen received “Conquer Life” gear, produced specifically to raise awareness around the Student Choice student loan program for students who demonstrate financial need beyond what is available through traditional sources.
“It’s moments like this that remind us how impactful your support is,” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Development Director.
Hawaii Central staff worked hard and, with the support of their coworkers, were able to raise enough funds to purchase $20 McDonald’s gift cards for all 56 Club teens at the Waianae Clubhouse. Residual funds, after the purchase of gift cards, were donated to the BGCH year end fundraiser.
"Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide brighter futures for Hawai?i’s keiki," Jones emphasized. "With just a few weeks left in our year-end fundraiser, we invite everyone to visit bgch.com and support our mission to ensure every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered."
Helping local teens as they transition into their adult life is important to Hawaii Central FCU and, in the coming year, the credit union has plans to address financial literacy needs among BGCH teens.
BGCH Development Director Inglish Jones picked up gift bags from the King Street Branch and took a picture with staff.
About Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union
Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is recognized by FORBES as a top Credit Union in the State of Hawaii. Founded in 1937, Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 16,000 members and has nearly $300 million in assets. Membership is open to all individuals who live, work, worship or attend school on Oahu. Businesses and other legal entities on the island are also eligible for membership.