Credit Union launches charity

The Interior Savings Credit Union has stepped up to support Merritt’s less fortunate youngsters.

The credit union kicked off Operation Pack to School last week in an effort to provide school supplies for low-income families. Loans clerk Diane Twan says the operation will keep the issue in the public eye. She hopes the effort will mean no student has to go without books and pencils this fall.

“It’s been brought to our attention that people need supplies,” she says. “Children are showing up with nothing, and teachers are having to make do.”

Members of the public can make donations in the form of cash or school supplies directly at the Interior Savings branch on Voght Street. Interior Savings will hand over the proceeds to the Nicola-Similkameen School District for distribution in local schools.

Twan says the effort will help to reduce the stigma for students from

low-income families.

“It may help in the bullying area, because some kids come to school without books and pencils,” she says. “This will even out the playing field.”

Interior Savings will host a hot dog sale to raise money for Operation Pack to School today between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Credit union representatives will also be selling popcorn and ice cream for the cause at the Nicola Valley Cruisers Show and Shine in Central Park on July 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m..

For more information, or to contribute, contact Twan at 378-5181.