Downey Federal Credit Union helps package 51,000 meals to fight hunger

DOWNEY – Volunteers packaged more than 51,000 meals for local needy families at Downey Federal Credit Union’s third annual food-packing event April 28 at Warren High School. 
More than 400 volunteers helped package 51,552 meals in 65 minutes, exceeding the credit union’s goal of 50,000 packaged meals. 

All meals will be distributed in Downey via local food banks PTA HELPS and FoodHelp, a food bank ministry hosted by Downey First Christian Church. 

“As a community-based financial institution, DFCU is dedicated to giving back to Downey -- and what better way to do it than to make it our mission to eradicate hunger in our community?” said Sheila Tetangco, DFCU’s director of marketing and communication. “With the backing of our members and all the wonderful volunteers, we are able to provide organizations like PTA HELPS and FoodHelp resources they need to continue to provide food to those who need it. 

“Our food packing event has doubled in size each year, which is a true testament of the dedication to support our city. Plus, it was great to see so many community members and leaders, in addition to DFCU members, come together for a good cause and have fun at the same time.”

Prior to the food packing event, the credit union held its annual meeting, which reviewed the successes of DFCU in 2015, in addition to letting members know what’s to come in the next year. 

DFCU also presented scholarships to two high school seniors and two college students. 

Robert Nevarez of Downey High and Miranda White of Warren High received the credit union’s high school scholarship for exemplifying “hard work, community service and self improvement” while maintaining academic excellence. 

College scholarships were awarded to Kristalee Lio of Chapman University and Marjan Abubo of UC Santa Barbara.