TAMPA, FLA. (October 23, 2024) — In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Suncoast Credit Union, the largest credit union in Florida, has announced an $850,000 donation to support recovery efforts throughout the state. The funds will be distributed among 13 nonprofit organizations that are providing critical services in the areas most affected by the storms, with a focus on hunger relief, crisis management, and education.
The donations are targeted to provide immediate and long-term support to communities hit hardest by the hurricanes. The funds will be allocated as follows:
- American Red Cross – $250,000
- Tri County Resource Center – $100,000
- United Way Suncoast – $75,000
- Feeding Tampa Bay – $75,000
- Hillsborough Education Foundation – $70,000
- Charlotte Education Foundation – $50,000
- Education Foundation of Manatee County – $50,000
- Pasco Education Foundation – $50,000
- Pinellas Education Foundation – $50,000
- Education Foundation of Sarasota County – $50,000
- Dixie Board of Public Instruction – $10,000
- Gilchrist Education Foundation – $10,000
- Levy Education Foundation – $10,000
“As Floridians recover from the severe impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Suncoast Credit Union is committed to being a trusted partner in rebuilding lives and restoring hope,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO, Suncoast Credit Union. “By working alongside these thirteen organizations, we hope to help fill the gap to help support families, rebuild lives and ensure our schools and students have the resources they need to thrive. Our commitment reaches beyond the storm’s immediate aftermath—because we are true partners with the communities we serve.”
By supporting these 13 local organizations, Suncoast is addressing both immediate disaster relief and long-term educational recovery. The grants will empower these organizations to be a lifeline for vulnerable communities. In addition to emergency relief, Suncoast’s investment in education aims to secure a brighter future for teachers, support staff and students impacted by the storms.
Several grant recipients highlighted how Suncoast’s funding will support their organizations and advance their work:
American Red Cross of Central Florida CEO Michael D. Brown said: “We are deeply thankful for Suncoast Credit Union’s $250,000 contribution toward our hurricane relief efforts. This vital support allows us to provide immediate assistance to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, offering food, shelter, relief supplies, and critical services like emotional and spiritual care. Suncoast’s generosity will also help sustain the vehicles, warehouses, and dedicated teams that make our work possible.”
Tri County Resource Center Manager Beverly Goodman said: “As the only full-service social services provider in Dixie, Levy, and Gilchrist counties, we serve as a critical lifeline for families impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. Suncoast’s generous support of $100,000 will help us provide emergency housing, food, and essential bill pay assistance, as well as meet unique needs like replacing medical equipment. This funding ensures we can continue to respond quickly and effectively to our community’s most urgent needs.”
Feeding Tampa Bay President and CEO Thomas Mantz said: “In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, many families in our region have been left struggling to access food and basic necessities. This $75,000 contribution will allow us to provide immediate food assistance through emergency distributions, mobile pantries, and meal kits for those hardest hit by the storms. With Suncoast’s support, we can ensure that thousands of individuals and families receive the nourishment they need as they begin to rebuild their lives.”
United Way of Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff said: “This $75,000 in funding enables us to activate our collective impact model by providing immediate assistance to those in need, while also helping the nonprofit organizations we partner with navigate resources like insurance, FEMA, and other emergency relief options. Suncoast’s support will make a significant difference in the mid- to long-term recovery for countless individuals and families, ensuring they receive the grants, supplies, and financial assistance necessary to rebuild and move forward.”
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $18.7 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 79 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
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