InTouch "Cell"-Ebrates 40th Anniversary in Credit Union Tradition of Helping Others

Plano, TX, April 10, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Much has changed in the 40 years since a group of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) employees had their credit union charter approved by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) in the spring of 1974. In the years since InTouch Credit Union– then named EDS Credit Union - first opened its doors, they have acquired both First American Federal Credit Union (FAFCU) and Ensign Federal Credit Union in 2009, leading to their InTouch Credit Union name change in 2010. ITCU, in its current iteration, continues to grow, with a recent acquisition of Dr Pepper Employees Federal Credit Union leading to their current standing with more than 74,000 members and $800 million in assets.

And, while the average home price in America is no longer $35,000, one thing that hasn’t changed is the Credit Union’s passion for helping its members and others in the community achieve their dreams. A common saying to describe the credit union industry’s mission is “Not for profit, not for charity, but for service” and it is in that vein that InTouch Credit Union planned their 40th Anniversary celebration.

Throughout April and May 2014, InTouch Credit Union will be collecting used cell phones and/or monetary donations for Cell Phones For Soldiers®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which earns funds by recycling cell phones. CPFS takes those funds to purchase prepaid international calling cards for troops to connect with their loved ones at home. ITCU has chosen to honor both their members and the community’s 40 years of service in the spirit of “people helping people,” by offering to match donations made at their branches , with a $1 donation per cell phone and an equal dollar match of any monetary donations, up to $40,000.

“InTouch is pleased to celebrate this way, partnering with our members to help our servicemen and women in uniform. We are so grateful that our members have continued to put their trust in us whether buying a car, refinancing a home over the past 40 years. The success we have achieved would not have been possible without our members, and we hope that giving back in this way honors and inspires them to get involved, too,” said Diane Gerstner, Executive Vice President of InTouch Credit Union.

Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided more than 204 million minutes of free talk time to servicemen and women stationed around the world over the last decade. On average, CPFS generates 30 minutes of talk time with each dollar they earn.

“Each year we have been humbled by the number of people and organizations like InTouch Credit Union that have taken the initiative to support our troops,” said CPFS co-founder Brittany Bergquist. “Closing the geographic gap between those serving and their families is a crucial need that Cell Phones For Soldiers believes in and is committed to addressing as long as it has support from great companies like InTouch.”

For the privacy of donors, donated phones have their data wiped when they are recycled. Approximately half of the phones are reconditioned and reused, phones and components that cannot be refurbished are dismantled and responsibly recycled.

“We know that’ family’ is very important to our membership and we are excited to share this taste of home with those who protect us from across the globe,” proclaimed Gerstner.

Those who wish to get involved in InTouch Credit Union’s 40th Anniversary celebration may drop off cell phones and/or monetary donations from April 1, 2014 through May 31, 2014. For every cell phone collected at an ITCU branch during this period, ITCU will donate $1 to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Any monetary donations made to CPFS at an ITCU branch during this time will also be matched, up to a donation limit of $40,000 in total by the Credit Union.

About InTouch Credit Union
InTouch Credit Union (ITCU) is a financial cooperative that has been proudly serving its members since 1974. ITCU is committed to creating member value by placing the financial needs and delivery of exceptional service to the membership ahead of profit while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Featuring branches in four states with additional access to a nationwide network of 5,000 plus CU Service Centers, InTouch CU currently boasts assets of $811 million and serves more than 74,000 members across all 50 states as well as more than 20 countries around the world. Membership eligibility rules are available on ITCU.org for potential members to review.

About Cell Phones For Soldiers, Inc.
Cell Phones For Soldiers Inc. is a national nonprofit dedicated to providing cost-free communication services to active-duty military members and veterans. Founded in 2004 by Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, then 12 and 13 years old, Cell Phones For Soldiers has provided more than 204 million “Minutes That Matter” to deployed troops. Since 2012, “Helping Heroes Home” has provided emergency funds for more than 400 returning veterans to alleviate communication challenges as well as physical, emotional and assimilation hardships. For more information, visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.