April 2, 2026Service With Purpose: March 2026 Community Recap

March was a shining month of Service with Purpose at PEFCU, filled with teamwork, compassion, and powerful community impact across Florida! From supporting local families and seniors to protecting our environment and championing youth education, our associates showed what it means to lead with heart. Check out snippets from each of the exciting ways our associates showed up in March.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR EDUCATION

Community Pillar: Education & Mentorship

Monday, March 30, 2026

PEFCU delegates proudly celebrated the groundbreaking of the Barnett Family Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Polk County, Florida. As the first facility in the nation to bring all three Junior Achievement programs under one roof, this center represents a transformative investment in the financial literacy and workforce readiness of future generations. Programming is slated to begin operating in Fall 2026.

As a committed partner in this initiative, PEFCU has sponsored an interactive space where students can explore the benefits of banking with and building a career in a credit union.

 

SPCA FREE PANTRY

Community Pillar: Health & Wellness

Sunday, March 29, 2026

PEFCU associates once again joined forces at the local SPCA in Lakeland, Florida, distributing pet food to families in need. Our volunteers supported 66 families, helping feed 163 dogs and 319 cats with an incredible 4,620 pounds of pet food.

This free Pet Food Assistance Program is made possible through generous donations from local distribution centers and grocery stores like Publix. Together, we help keep fur families fed through tough times.

 

BONNET SPRINGS PARK CLEAN-UP

Community Pillar: Environmental Sustainability

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Following a community 5K, PEFCU associates gathered at Bonnet Springs Park to help restore the grounds to their pristine and beautiful condition – keeping this beloved space clean for all to enjoy.

 

WALK FOR HUBBARD HOUSE

Community Pillar: Health & Wellness

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Associates in our Jacksonville market came together to walk in support of Hubbard House, a certified domestic violence shelter and service center that supports individuals and families across Northeast Florida, including Duval and Baker counties.

 

BEACH CLEAN-UP FOR THE LOGGERHEAD MARINE LIFE CENTER

Community Pillar: Environmental Sustainability

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Team members from our Royal Palm Beach branch united to clean a local beach at the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, helping protect coastal ecosystems and the marine life that calls them home.

 

FEEDING NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Community Pillar: Health & Wellness

Saturday, March 7, 2026

Jacksonville market teams participated in the Feeding Northeast Florida program, sorting 6,100 pounds of dry goods – enough to provide 5,083 meals to families in need. Together, we helped make a powerful difference in our community.

 

TEAM BUILDING & CHECK PRESENTATION AT VISTE

Community Pillar: Health & Wellness

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

The Lending team visited Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) to prepare supplemental grocery items for local seniors. As part of this meaningful day of Service with Purpose, PEFCU’s Melissa Sentner presented Steve Bissonnette, CEO of VISTE, with a $500 check – representing the donation made in Melissa’s honor as PEFCU’s 2026 Service to the Community Award recipient.

“I chose VISTE as the recipient of my Service to the Community award donation because I truly believe in their mission. The work they do for our local community is extraordinary, and their dedication to serving others continually inspires me to be a better person.”
– Melissa Sentne, Stock Product Owner

 

As we step into April, we’re excited to keep this momentum going – so stay tuned for more opportunities to join us in making a meaningful difference.

PEFCU is proudly partnering with SUN ’n FUN to support innovative aviation education. Join us at the admissions counter, at our booth just inside the main entrance gate – and don’t forget to stop by our Free Water Stations to stay cool and refreshed under the Florida sunshine!