November & December at UTFCU: A Season of Kindness, Celebration, and Community

We were humbled to be named Corporate Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountain Chapter at the National Philanthropy Day celebration in Knoxville. The award — presented on November 6, 2025 — recognizes UTFCU’s deep commitment to community support, education, financial empowerment, and charitable giving. This honor was made even more special through a nomination from our long-time partner, the Pellissippi State Foundation

UTFCU marked World Kindness Day and the surrounding month by activating our employee-led Acts of Kindness Campaign, turning everyday moments into opportunities to make a difference. From October 13 through November 13, cross-departmental teams partnered with more than 25 local organizations to support neighbors across Tennessee.

Employees donated essential items, delivered groceries, and checked off wish list items for families and individuals in need. Teams also went the extra mile with thoughtful gestures—paying for laundry cycles, dropping off care packages, and spending time with community members who could use a little extra support. Each act, big or small, was a reminder of how kindness can ripple through a community.

This initiative brought hope and tangible support to hundreds of community members, while also reinforcing UTFCU’s mission to improve lives, financially and beyond. Beyond the immediate impact, the campaign inspired employees to carry the spirit of kindness into their daily lives—proving that even small gestures can create meaningful, lasting change.

Our team joined in the excitement of the University of Tennessee Homecoming Parade, celebrating Big Orange spirit with fellow Vol fans and showing our support for campus traditions.

We were also proud to support students heading home for the holidays through the UT to West TN supply donation—putting together treat bags to help make their journey home for Thanksgiving a little brighter.

UTFCU was honored to take part in the 2025 Tennessee Credit Union League Grocery Giveaway, joining credit unions from across the state to cover more than $40,000 in free groceries for families at 28 Food City locations in East Tennessee. Our volunteers in Knoxville and Maryville spent the day helping shoppers select groceries, carrying bags, and spreading holiday cheer to families in need.

The event is part of a larger statewide effort to give back during the holiday season, ensuring that families across Tennessee have access to essential food and household items. It was inspiring to see the gratitude of shoppers and the energy of volunteers coming together for a common purpose. A big thank-you goes to Food City staff for supporting the event, and to all the volunteers whose time and enthusiasm made the day possible.

Moments like these remind us why community comes first at UTFCU—every bag packed and every family helped is a tangible way to make the holidays brighter for our neighbors.

Our UTFCU Kindness Committee collected aluminum can donations across branches and the corporate office to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks to generous contributions from our team and members, we delivered six bags of aluminum cans — plus countless pop tabs — to support families staying close to loved ones receiving care.

Donations continue to be accepted at participating locations, and every can and tab helps support families during challenging times.

UTFCU was honored to bring holiday cheer to residents at Ben Atchley Tennessee State Veterans’ Home in Knoxville with a special holiday celebration dedicated to those who have served our country. Our team spent time with veterans and staff, sharing conversation, smiles, and appreciation during the season of giving.

The visit included festive decorations, thoughtful gifts, and moments of connection that made the day especially meaningful. Events like this reflect our commitment to supporting veterans and recognizing the sacrifices they have made for our communities and our nation. We are grateful for the opportunity to show our appreciation and help make the holiday season a little brighter for the residents and caregivers at Ben Atchley.

UTFCU volunteers partnered with Tiny Trees to deliver festive Christmas trees to patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, spreading joy, hope, and a little holiday magic. What began as one family’s idea to decorate a small tree for a child’s hospital room has grown into a heartwarming annual tradition that now provides more than 1,000 tiny trees each year.

Our team dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours to help assemble, transport, and deliver the trees, each one carefully decorated to bring comfort and smiles to young patients and their families. For many children, these tiny trees become a bright spot during hospital stays, offering a sense of normalcy and a touch of the season’s magic.

Volunteering with Tiny Trees allowed our team to connect with families, share holiday cheer, and experience firsthand the impact that thoughtful, small gestures can have on a child’s day. Moments like these embody UTFCU’s mission to improve lives, financially and beyond—reminding us that giving back comes in many forms, big and small.