Virginia Credit Union donates 120K for health, wellness, food security

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)- Virginia Credit Union (VACU) donated $120,000 to 16 area nonprofits to assist in efforts to boost children’s health and wellness, community well-being, and food security.

The donations were made during the first quarter of 2026.

  • Total Action for Progress (TAP) received a $20,000 donation for its “Breakthrough Fund.” The initiative helps families enrolled in TAPs employment and training programs who have unexpected financial emergencies that could disrupt their participation. Twenty-four families are expected to benefit from the donation.
  • Carilion Children’s Hospital received a $10,000 donation from VACU in partnership with the Virginia Tech men’s and women’s basketball teams. It’s part of the “VACU Assists” program. The credit union donates to children’s hospitals for every assist recorded by partner teams. According to VACU, the company and its Member One division have donated more than $463,000 to Carilion Children’s Hospital.

“What set Virginia Credit Union apart from the beginning was their disciplined focus on impact. Rather than pursuing something easy or symbolic, they challenged us to identify where an investment could drive meaningful, long-term change for families and the region,” said TAP president and CEO Angela Penn. “That combination of clear vision, thoughtful collaboration, and a willingness to push for greater outcomes is the hallmark of a truly strategic partner.”

VACU also donated $22,500 to Feeding Southwest Virginia, Lynchburg Daily Bread, and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

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“We have deep roots in these communities, and our commitment to the people, organizations, and causes that make them stronger is one we take seriously,” said Tim Rowe, VACU’s western region market president. “We are privileged to support partners who are doing remarkable work — addressing hunger, expanding access to health care and mental health services, empowering families, and opening doors for children and young people. Supporting that work is central to who we are as an organization.”

Donations made by VACU:

  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia, $2,500
  • Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia, $5,000
  • Carilion Children’s Hospital, $10,000
  • Roanoke Area Ministries (RAM House), $5,000
  • Family Service of Roanoke Valley, $5,000
  • The Grove on Patterson, $5,000
  • HumanKind at the EnVision Center (Ways to Work program), $5,000
  • Virginia Western Community College at the EnVision Center, $10,000
  • EnVision Center (City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority), $5,000
  • Bradley Free Clinic, $5,000
  • Huddle Up Moms, $5,000
  • Total Action for Progress (Breakthrough Fund), $20,000
  • HumanKind (Early Head Start, Lynchburg), $10,000
  • YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge (Gainsboro location), $5,000
  • Feeding Southwest Virginia, $15,000
  • Lynchburg Daily Bread, $2,500
  • Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, $5,000

VACU recently announced a $2.5 million pledge to Radford University over the next ten years to establish a campus-based hub (Virginia Credit Union Financial Success Center) to help teach students financial literacy…

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