Credit unions make a positive social impact in their communities and one Valdosta credit union was recently recognized nationally for its efforts.

Southeastern Credit Union earned an Honorable Mention in Credit Union National Association’s Dora Maxwell Award competition in the $50 - $250 million asset category for its Fill-a-Truck for Hunger food drive.

The Valdosta-based credit union first won in the annual statewide awards program conducted by Georgia Credit Union Affiliates. Georgia credit unions submitted entries to four separate categories in the statewide competition, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award Program, the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award, the Desjardins Youth Financial Education and the Desjardins Adult Financial Education Awards. The winning submissions were then entered in the national awards program administered by CUNA.

The Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award is given to a credit union or credit union group for its social responsibility projects within the community.

The Fill-a-Truck for Hunger program challenges the community to fill a tractor-trailer with food. Southeastern Credit Union matches the donations in an effort to raise awareness about the issue of hunger. The credit union then gives the donations to local food bank Second Harvest of South Georgia.