Community Events

June 2021:

Budget Buddies’ Virtual Film Festival

#LUNAFEST a virtual film festival which featured short films created by, for, and involving women, donated 100% of proceeds raised to Budget Buddies’ group-based financial health workshops. Budget Buddies helps women regain control of their finances, reduce financial anxiety, increase economic self-sufficiency, and transform their lives by teaching core money management skills. DCU continues to partner with Budget Buddies, aligning our missions of financial education and security.

Seven Hills’ Virtual Big Dipper Ice Cream Festival

Once again, DCU supported Seven Hills’ Virtual Bigger Dipper Ice Cream Festival with all proceeds going directly to providing access to mental health services, educational supports, connections to community resources, and basic needs for children and families. The event provided an opportunity to enjoy a sweet treat at some of Worcester County’s most popular ice cream shops while raising funds and awareness for Seven Hills.

Worcester Game Changers Recognized for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts

As the Awards Sponsor for this year’s Worcester Chamber of Commerce Game Changers Business Conference & Expo, DCU assisted in recognizing the leaders that are shaping Worcester’s economy and community. This year’s theme centered around addressing equity in justice, economy, and education. The panelists and award recipients were all inspiring with their wisdom and ongoing work toward a more equitable Worcester and beyond by calling upon business leaders to take actionable steps today that will provide a more equitable future for all.

Heroes Cup Hockey Tournament for First Responders

Nearly 100 teams made up of firefighters, police officers, and military personnel, from across the United States and Canada, gathered at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, MA for the 2021 BFit Heroes Cup. Over $450,000 has been raised so far with the funds going to each team’s charity of choice. DCU presented the first-ever DCU Community Lamplighter’s Award to the Chelmsford, MA Fire Department for their dedication to raising funds and awareness for their chosen charity – Kids In Disability Sports (KIDS), Inc. To further recognize their efforts, DCU presented KIDS, Inc. with a donation to support programming which gives children with disabilities an opportunity for socialization and learning through sports. 

WPI’s STEM Touch Tomorrow

Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s (WPI) Touch Tomorrow, a free and interactive virtual festival, introduced students to the wide world of science with a week-long series of experiments and demonstrations, lab tours, and loads of excitement for youth around the world. DCU supported Touch Tomorrow and WPI on their mission to provide youth with free and interactive access to space, science, technology, and robots through extensive STEM programming by providing area youth kits filled with materials for the week of activities.

Rock & Laurel 5K Trail Race

The North County Land Trust hosted its second annual Rock & Laurel 5K Trail Race on the trails of Crocker Conservation in Fitchburg, MA. DCU was a sponsor of the 5K trail race/walk which wound through scenic wooded trails lined with mountain laurel in bloom. Funds raised from this race supported the North County Land Trust in their continued land conservation efforts to protect the natural world for the greater good of all.

Boys & Girls Club Summer Junior Staff Interviews

DCU team members assisted the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster, conducting interviews of their Summer Junior Staff applicants. The youth, aged 14-17, attended a job readiness program to build their resume, practice interviewing skills, and prepare to apply for their first jobs. DCU team members conducted nine interviews at the club, providing an opportunity for the youth to discuss their applications and to receive feedback about their resume and interview.

Giving Back on the Farm to Help End Hunger

Several DCU team members from across the credit union were on hand to assist The Food Project at their organic farm, located in Lincoln, MA. A morning was spent weeding crops on one of their 30-acre farms, which produces 200,000 pounds of food for the community through the hard work of hired teens and volunteers with the guidance of the nonprofit staff. Vegetables grown on the farm are sold in low-income communities at farmers markets, through the sale of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) packages, and donated to local hunger relief organizations.

May 2021:

Red Nose Day: (Digital) Noses On to Support Youth 

Red Nose Day is an annual national campaign for Comic Relief, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds and awareness to end child poverty and help to keep children safe, healthy, educated, and empowered. DCU supported Comic Relief by purchasing 2,500 red noses, sharing them via digital download with our employees, Girl’s Inc, and the United Way Youth Venture programs. Employees submitted selfies with their #noseson, helping to raise awareness around a meaningful cause while making “smiles” - one digital nose at a time

DCU Sponsors Woostapreneur Conference 

The Worcester, MA Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Administration hosted a free, half-day Woostapreneur conference to connect greater Worcester to the entrepreneurship ecosystem and business resource providers in Central Massachusetts. DCU sponsored the conference, designed for existing business owners, budding entrepreneurs, veteran entrepreneurs, millennial entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses, and other underserved entrepreneurs in search of business help. Representatives from several organizations which support entrepreneurs were in attendance to share what they offer and answer questions in small groups.

April 2021:

Financial Literacy Month Extends Beyond April

Although April is designated as Financial Literacy month, the tips and lessons learned and shared should be applied throughout the entire year. DCU believes that financial education empowers individuals to achieve their goals and improve their financial footing. Just a few of the initiatives that took place throughout April included sharing budgeting tips with our members, participating in virtual events that promoted financial well-being for individuals of all ages, and using DCU’s social media channels and other marketing vehicles to educate and engage our members including:

• Sponsorship of EVERFI’s 2nd Annual National Financial Bee
• A Financial Literacy Month video with tips to help members practice healthy financial habits.
• Celebrating the Joy of Reading and Budgeting – the DCU Way!

DCU Participates in Healthy Minds Virtual Workshop

On April 14, Mount Wachusett Community College hosted hundreds of students from North Central Massachusetts for their Healthy Minds half-day virtual curriculum of educational workshops and fun. DCU sponsored the event, along with a representative from DCU’s Public Relations Department presenting to 70 students during a 45-minute workshop “Teens to Twenties: Glo Up Money Plan.” Students were encouraged to create a vision board for their 10-year financial aspirations. A focus on college, credit, and cash exposed students to what good credit, limited borrowing, and a focus on saving should and will mean to them.

DCU Promotes Resources for Free Tax Preparation

DCU created a video to share information on free services available through the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. The video was shared on in-branch televisions as well as on our social media channels. These federal programs are available through the IRS to assist qualified taxpayers access to tax benefits that may be available by providing free tax preparation services.

DCU Facilitates Dollar $cholar Budgeting Sessions

On April 16, DCU team members were on hand to facilitate and mentor students from Worcester East Middle School during a Dollar $cholar virtual webinar. The two-budgeting sessions brought 50 students lessons around financing how they imagined their futures. From choosing a career, home, transportation, and making lifestyle decisions, students were mentored around budgeting their choices with their perspective career incomes. Exposure to what an education may cost, to other expenses such as: housing, food, and entertainment allowed students to get a glimpse into what a budget means for their future.

VITA Volunteer Thank You Event

The United Way of Central Massachusetts facilitated the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program once again to provide free tax-preparation services to qualified individuals. DCU’s support of these efforts helped provide volunteers with the training and support they needed to assist hundreds of individuals and families file their taxes. The Volunteer Thank You event was a night dedicated to the many volunteers who make the VITA program a success for so many individuals who rely on this service.

DCU Sponsors Safe Homes Helps to Support LGBTQIA+ Youth in Central MA

When Safe Homes, an affiliated program of Open Sky Community Services, reached out to DCU for support of this year’s gala, there was no question that we’d assist in their mission to decrease isolation and foster health and well-being in LGBTQIA+ youth in Central MA. The organization found DCU after a conversation with other LGBTQIA+ leaders in the Worcester, MA area who identified DCU as an organization that supports inclusion. The virtual gala featured testimonials from former program attendees who now facilitate groups or volunteer their services at Safe Homes.

DCU Sponsors CASA Fundraiser

Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GALs) of Worcester County is a not-for-profit organization committed to speaking for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Worcester County Courts. CASA held their Champions for Children fundraiser virtually on April 30. DCU sponsored the event where awards to those who are making a difference for countless youth in our communities were presented.

March 2021:

Giving Back a Piece of the Pi(e)

Annually, people across the globe celebrate 3.14, the first three significant digits of the mathematical constant pi π on March 14th. Much like DCU, Table Talk Pies, based out of Worcester, MA, is a local staple that strives to make a big impact in the community. DCU was able to share a slice of the fun by sponsoring and sending pies to the Worcester Police and Fire Departments. This small, sweet gesture brought smiles and joy to the men and women who tirelessly serve our communities.

Preparing Young Women for STEM Careers

DCU team members volunteered virtually to give back in a meaningful way at Girls, Inc., an organization dedicated to encouraging all girls to be smart, strong, and bold. The DCU team provided valuable personalized feedback and guidance on interviewing skills and resume-building while working with girls who are part of Eureka!, a five-year STEM program that engages and empowers 8th to 12th grade girls to build confidence and discover leadership and academic opportunities.

Mentoring Youth in Financial Aspirations

In partnership with the Dollar $cholar program through the United Way of Central MA’s Women’s Initiative, team members spent the morning of March 17 meeting virtually with 50 middle school girls from Leicester, MA Public Schools. The youth came prepared for the session with career aspirations in mind and spent the morning imagining how they see themselves living as a career woman. Mentors helped walk the girls through decisions about where they wanted to live, what lifestyle choices they look forward to, and how they will educate themselves. After these aspirations were budgeted, salaries for their desired careers were provided, and the girls learned how to balance their budgets.

Hudson, NH Branch Supplies Seniors with Goodies

To celebrate our Hudson, NH branch relocation, team members spent time packing insulated grocery totes with food and goodies to give out to residents through the help of the Hudson Senior Center. Packages included soups, pastas, oatmeal, tea, hot cocoa, cookies, a word search book, and other goodies. The director of the Hudson Senior Center expressed appreciation for the gesture. Many seniors have been isolated from social activities during the pandemic and were thrilled to receive a package, thoughtfully put together by their neighbors.

February 2021:

Gift of Warmth Blanket Drive

During the month of February, DCU participated in the annual Gift of Warmth Drive in collaboration with other Massachusetts Credit Unions. Through this drive, donations of blankets and children's pajamas provide comfort and warmth for a child who receives a bed through the organization, through the "A Bed for Every Child" through the MA Coalition for the Homeless. This year team members pooled their resources, purchasing blankets and pajamas for the virtual effort. Our small role in this drive will help to keep children safe and warm.

Supporting LUK, Inc. Kids at Heart Mentoring Gala

On February 11, DCU supported and sponsored the 8th Annual Kids at Heart Mentoring Gala. Virtual attendees enjoyed a video of mentors and their mentees talking about what being matched together means to them. Mentoring not only improves the lives of youth in our communities, but also provides a meaningful way for adults to give back and shape our next generation of leaders.

Support for Afro Caribbean Black History Awards & Gala

For the first time, DCU sponsored the Authentic Caribbean Foundation’s virtual event to honor difference-makers in the Caribbean-American community and acknowledge Afro Caribbean Black History. Award recipients and other honorees were applauded for their contributions to community-building. The night was as entertaining as it was inspiring as several Caribbean-influenced musicians provided singing, drumming, and a chance for Zoom dancing.

January 2021:

Recognizing National Mentoring Month

In recognition of January as National Mentoring Month, DCU partnered with local non-profit LUK, Inc. to produce a 90 second video about the impact of mentoring youth. This video spoke to the benefits of youth having an adult they can confide in. It highlighted mentoring’s role in reducing school absenteeism and increasing college attendance rates, and stressed that the impact can be achieved in as little as one hour per week.

December 2020:

Powered by Purpose: Achieving Equity for All

DCU team members virtually attended the 16th Annual Massachusetts Conference for Women. This conference provided opportunities including a complimentary career coaching and résumé review, facilitated networking discussions and a women-owned business marketplace for attendees to shop local. Breakout sessions covered activism, leadership, adversity, problem solving, and mental health.

DCU Provides Survival Bracelets for American Heroes

Members of DCU’s Marketing Team crafted 100 quick-release paracord survival bracelets to support military service members and first responders through Operation Gratitude. These simple yet essential bracelets are worn to be used in an emergency, holding up to 550 lbs. of weight and provide 7.5 feet of cord. The paracord can assist in making a shelter or splint, or by unweaving the individual nylon strands to make fishing line, emergency sutures, or to be used in other survival situations.

Providing Holiday Gifts to Children

DCU continued its support of the annual Toys for Tots drive in Marlborough, MA. Partnering each year with local Marines, our efforts to provide a monetary donation in 2020 allowed the organization to purchase toys for area children. The drive was an overall success, and we are thankful to hear that so many children were provided a gift this Christmas thanks to the ongoing generosity of the neighbors in our communities.

November 2020:

Providing a Forum for Women in Leadership

Women in leadership and emerging leaders from across the credit union attended the 11th Annual Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference, presented by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. DCU was a major sponsor of this event, introducing the morning keynote speaker and facilitating a question-and-answer segment following the keynote presentation. This year’s event, offered through a virtual platform, provided an opportunity for women to learn about business and personal growth, entrepreneurship, balancing family, and self-care, among other topics.

October 2020:

Backpack Donation to Students

DCU donated 48 backpacks complete with school supplies to the Merrimack Valley Dream Center of Lawrence, MA, benefiting elementary-to-middle school-aged students living in the Greater Lawrence community. This donation was part of the organization’s “Back to School Backpack Giveaway,” which helped families who lost their jobs to the pandemic.

Providing Financial Literacy and Education

The United Way of Central Massachusetts Women’s Initiative provides Dollar $cholar programming to middle and high school aged girls, guiding youth through financial literacy and education. DCU participated in the taping of two segments: Savings and Interest and Using Credit Wisely as part of a collaborative video which familiarized youth with financial literacy.

Apple-Picking to Benefit Worcester County Food Bank

DCU team members joined the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce at the Community Harvest Project’s apple orchard in Groton, MA. Three-thousand pounds of apples were picked and sorted by volunteers, equating to 10,000 servings of fresh fruit donated to the Worcester County Food Bank.

September 2020:

DCU Runners Show a Lot of Heart at Boston Marathon

Since 2000, DCU and DCU for Kids have supported the Credit Unions Kids at Heart® program, competing in the Boston Marathon while raising funds for pediatric brain research projects at Boston Children's Hospital. DCU team members completed the modified 124th Annual Boston Marathon while another teammate completed an unofficial half marathon, helping raise more than $75,000 to support Boston Children’s Hospital’s mission of helping children lead happy and healthy lives.

United Way of North Central MA's Day of Caring

DCU sponsored the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Annual Day of Caring. Between two half-day events, numerous agencies hosted 35 projects with 294 volunteers who provided a total of 1,176 hours of hands-on assistance. While this year looked a little different due to social distancing requirements, the meaningful impact left remained the same. From painting to gardening, clean-outs and clean-ups, organizing, filing, and having a little fun, volunteers proved to be an invaluable asset to many local non-profit agencies.

Brigham & Women's Step Up for Stepping Strong

In partnership with Brigham & Women’s Hospital, the Step Up for Stepping Strong Challenge encouraged participants to track 500 million cumulative steps, providing a $100,000 donation from Cigna Health to The Gillian Reny Stepping Strong Center for Trauma. DCU team members accumulated a total of 1,711,945 steps during the event.

August 2020:

DCU Concludes 2020 Boston 25 News "Mini" Zip Trip Season

Boston 25 News concluded the 2020 Zip Trip season , a partnership in which DCU had the honor of virtually presenting the Hometown Hero Award to worthy individuals and organizations making a difference in their communities. The summer of 2020 was DCU’s ninth year serving as the exclusive financial institution to sponsor the Boston 25 Zip Trip season.

DCU Supports Foster Children's Return to School

Fostering Change, Inc. works to assist children in foster care throughout Massachusetts. With the support of partners like DCU, Fostering Change gathered supplies for back-to-school needs including new backpacks, notebooks, pens, pencils, calculators, and more.

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth in Worcester Counter

DCU sponsored the Worcester-based organization Love Your Labels, which provides programming to address identity development and social-emotional learning. Their newly organized Youth Board, comprised of queer and trans emerging leaders ages 13-18, provides access to financial literacy resources, workforce readiness opportunities, and leadership training and workshops.

July 2020:

DCU Team Members “Dig” Giving Back

Team members spent time weeding and filling raised garden beds at the Seven Hills Foundation’s affiliate, the ASPiRE! Program . The garden is part of their horticultural program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and brain injuries, which helps to foster life skills.

June 2020:

Know Before You Go - CU Student Choice Webinar

DCU and Credit Union Student Choice hosted a free webinar, created to help students and their families gain a better understanding of their student lending options, borrower eligibility, and the college application process. DCU members accounted for over 65% of all attendees, ensuring that our members have the necessary knowledge and tools to make fully informed decisions when it comes to pursuing a higher education.

Boston Children’s Hospital’s Corporate Cup

DCU sponsored the Boston Children’s Hospital’s Corporate Cup , where team members participated virtually in a series of friendly competitions. Proceeds raised from the event helped make a positive impact through the “Every Child Fund” at Boston Children’s Hospital – designed to help children and families, and fuel lifesaving research.

May 2020:

Recognizing the DCU Hometown Hero during the Pandemic

DCU teamed up with Boston 25 News to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, and everyday citizens as Hometown Heroes in communities throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Each award segment highlighted inspiring stories to honor local heroes who went above and beyond to help their neighbors and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanking Essential Workers – The DCU Way

Team members shared thank you messages to essential workers in early May in honor of Giving Tuesday. We invite you to view the video here.

Team Members Making a Difference

Throughout the credit union, team members continued to make a difference in their communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples included crocheting and providing 3D printing mask fasteners for frontline workers to alleviate the stress on the ears, and by packing meals for The Outreach Program to send to food pantries throughout New England.

Red Nose Day Goes Virtual with Support of DCU

DCU once again sponsored Red Nose Day, a campaign with the mission to end child poverty by funding programs that keep children safe, healthy, and educated. Comic Relief USA brings people together through the power of entertainment, while raising life-changing funds to help the children that need it most. The campaign went digital in response to the COVID-19 pandemic with DCU purchasing 2,000 red noses to share with team members and community partners.

April 2020:

DCU Serves as Platinum Sponsor of EVERFI’s National Financial Bee

DCU proudly sponsored the EVERFI National Financial Bee, a first-of-its-kind nationwide financial capability challenge for students in 7th-10th grade. The five-day challenge featured daily lessons covering important financial topics, followed by an essay contest where students competed for a chance to win up to $10,000 in college scholarships. EVERFI reported that nearly 8,000 students completed the program through DCU’s co-branded landing page. William Bird, a 16-year-old DCU member who attends Hollis-Brookline High School in Hollis, NH was selected as the first place, $10,000 scholarship essay contest winner.

DCU Sponsors Corona/Crown Art Project                  

The Revolving Museum and ArtSpace Maynard teamed up to create a bilingual traveling public artwork entitled “Corona/Crown Project,” that addressed public health issues surrounding COVID-19, traveling through Central and Eastern Massachusetts. The rolling artwork showcases kinetic sculptures and short poems written in both English and Spanish and featured paintings of hands using American Sign Language that spells out love, hope and faith. The project also sent gift packages to places in need that included: masks, soap, and art created by artists involved with both organizations.

March 2020:

Slam Dunk for Kids at Framingham, MA’s Hoops and Homework

Courtesy of DCU, Harlem Globetrotter La’Keisha “Swish” Sutton brought boundless energy and encouragement to the boys and girls of Hoops and Homework, an afterschool program that strives to provide a fun and safe learning environment in the lowest-income neighborhoods in the city of Framingham, MA. Not only did Swish teach basketball skills, but she also inspired the kids through her own story of persistence.

DCU Collects Shoes for Dress for Success Worcester

DCU partnered with Dress for Success Worcester, MA to host a Women’s Career Shoe Drive in recognition of Women’s Empowerment Month. Dress for Success Worcester helps support women in their pursuit of achieving economic independence through providing professional attire, and the necessary development tools to succeed in work and in life.

February 2020:

Sharing Love on Valentine’s Day

Sometimes the simple gesture of sending a greeting card can brighten someone’s day. Team members from across the credit union sent “love” to 1,233 seniors living in 22 assisted living facilities who received a colored and signed Valentine’s Day card. Branch managers and team members personally delivered these cards—some even brought some sweet treats along to share with residents and staff.

Supporting 7^th Annual LUK, Inc. Gala

DCU was honored to sponsor LUK, Inc.’s 7th Annual Kids at Heart Gala and hosted local nonprofit directors and mentors at our Gala table as a thank you for their dedication to area youth. LUK raised over $60,000 for their mentoring program, which pairs Central Massachusetts youth ages 6 to 17 with a positive adult role model. Mentoring provides both immediate and long-term benefits, helping youth enhance their self-esteem both at home and at school.

DCU Treats Non-Profit Volunteers to PBR Event at DCU Center

In appreciation for their tireless efforts, 60 volunteers from 5 local nonprofit organizations were treated to a night of comradery at the Professional Bull Riders event held at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Volunteers from the Worcester Student Government Association, Living In Freedom Together (LIFT), RSVP Volunteers of Central Massachusetts, Heart of New England Council – BSA, Professional Women’s Association, and Elder Services of Worcester Area, enjoyed the event, courtesy of DCU.

January 2020:

Giving the Gift of Warmth

DCU team members collected new blankets in support of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Blanket Drive. In partnership with Massachusetts Credit Unions, these blankets were distributed through the “A Bed for Every Child” initiative.

Credit and Budgeting Seminars

Team members hosted several seminars throughout the City of Worcester, MA, including credit seminars at Worcester Technical High School, the Worcester Housing Authority, and a budgeting seminar for residents of Lincoln Village Apartments as part of the credit union’s commitment to serving the unbanked and underbanked communities.