In late October, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation mailed $500 checks to 192 credit union people in Louisiana who were rendered homeless by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The $96,000 in cash donations was made possible through the generosity of credit unions in North and South Carolina that made donations to the CCUF's Disaster Relief Fund.

In the weeks since the checks were mailed, recipients of the $500 checks have been expressing their gratitude to credit unions in North and South Carolina that pitched in to brighten the holidays for people in their darkest hour. A common theme in many of the cards, letters and emails is, "credit unions really are a family."  

Excerpts from these cards and letters follow.

"An expression often heard throughout life's journey is "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade." What do you make if you can't afford the sugar? While this may be a far stretch of the financial standing of the 2005 hurricane season's victims, it does illustrate the financial hardships many of us have had to face in the wake of our first truly life-altering disaster.

Often in our small, very tunnel-visioned world, we forget about the larger community we call America. We also forget that true charity and compassion know not the boundaries we call cities, counties or states. The willingness of caring individuals ... has enabled us to pick up our lives and rebuild damaged hopes and dreams.

In keeping with a sharing spirit, we have made donations to local charities and the Red Cross so others can experience the heartwarming feeling of receiving assistance from total strangers." -- Southwest Louisiana Credit Union Employee

"Thank you so much for the contribution of $500 to help assist us in recovering from Katrina. Words cannot express what we've experienced. It's like a death ... you lose everything, cry, deal with the clean-up and then try to rebuild your life. We have not experienced "normal" yet. But as time goes by, our "normal" is different; we appreciate the small things - like a bed, a hot shower and a job. The outpouring of love and support has been unbelievable.

After 32 years with the credit union, I finally see that we are all family. I've always been on the giving end. It's hard to receive because there are people much worse off. But I've always been the one to give away everything. Your love and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten."  --GNO FCU Employee

"It is hard to describe the devastation that so many in our area have suffered. It is especially difficult to express the pain of losing a lifetime of memories and possessions.

I have been very blessed and touched by the kind acts of people that I have never even met. Please extend my personal thanks to all of those that reached out to help us in our time of need." -- Shell New Orleans FCU Employee

"Thanks so much for all your help and the help of the others at this difficult time. Your kindness and generosity means more than you will ever know. May God bless and keep you in his care." --CSE FCU Employee

"Thank you so very much for the $500 check you sent me. I lost my home due to Hurricane Rita and have many things I need to purchase. I will use your donation wisely to try and rebuild a lot of the memory items. May God bless you for your generosity." -- US Customs FCU Employee

"My husband and I just bought our home in August 2004 and it was then destroyed in August 2005 by Katrina. We have a two-year-old daughter and are looking forward to the future and trying to buy her a new home to grow up in.

The kindness of the credit unions and employees there will never be forgotten." -- US Customs FCU Employee 

"I am even prouder now than ever to say to everyone that I once worked at a North Carolina credit union. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. May we never have to return the favor, but if in the future your area is in need, I will be there to do my part in lending a hand to help." -- ASI FCU Employee

"I have lost house, car, furniture, and clothing in this hurricane and this check will certainly be put to good use. People like you have been so compassionate, it brings joy to everyone in need. May God bless you." -- Teamsters Local 270 CU Employee 

"We are overwhelmed by your generosity and kindness. It is a comfort to know we can count on each other through whatever life brings." -- Jefferson Parish Employees FCU Employee

"I spent four years in the Carolinas at the College of Charleston and I have a special place in my heart reserved for the region. On a personal note, you have no idea how wonderful this is for our employees. Several ... including me, returned to New Orleans to find horrific wreckage where homes once stood and streets still engulfed in mud and muck. New Orleans will slowly rebuild, but what you've done will most certainly rebuild the spirits of our storm-weary employees." -- ASI FCU Employee

"I want to sincerely thank you for the generous gift. This means a lot to me and my family. This makes me very proud to work for a credit union, and to know we are truly a family." -- St Tammany FCU Employee

"Katrina changed so many lives. Your concern for all the flood area is very much appreciated. This is what makes credit union people great." -- Chalmette FCU Employee

"As you know, we were hit very hard by these hurricanes. For Katrina, I had 12 feet of water in my home, then Rita gave me another six feet. Our whole parish is all but gone. It will take a year or two to rebuild, but we will be back. This check was really, really appreciated." -- Chalmette Refinery FCU Employee

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation ... for the generous financial donation made on my behalf. My family and I sincerely appreciate the thoughtfulness and concern in this very distressing time in our lives. Katrina has forever changed many people's lives and we can hope to have some type of normalcy return as soon as possible." -- GNO FCU Employee

"As you know, Hurricane Katrina has had a devastating effect on everyone in southeast Louisiana. The outpouring of aid from the credit union community has been one of the few bright spots in these darkest of times. It is organizations like yours that make me proud to be part of the credit union movement." -- UNO FCU Employee

"As you may already know, my family and I have lost everything. I was able to salvage very little. I would like to commend you and all of the other employees who donated towards the benefit if helping Hurricane Katrina victims. It is greatly appreciated." -- ASI FCU Employee

"At this very unfortunate time in our lives, you have just provided me and my children with a ray of sunshine to let us know that things will get better.

When the storm was approaching, I left home with two children, clothing in a suitcase and a car. I returned to find that those were the only things that I now own. Although I lost every other thing that I owned, my children and I are safe and will, someday ... somehow get through this.

I cannot thank you all enough for your kindness and please know that each and every one of you will be in my prayers." -- GNO FCU Employee 

"My family has really benefited from these funds. The funds have allowed us to be together for the Thanksgiving holiday. We (our family members) are all scattered across the US. The reunification effort has been made a bit easier and somewhat less stressful.

I sincerely thank you from the depths of my heart for this unexpected assistance. God bless you!" -- Louisiana Capitol FCU Employee