Program will support local nonprofit organizations.

[view:node_ad=5]The Lockheed Federal Credit Union (LFCU), the largest financial institution headquartered in the San Fernando Valley, has announced it has started the LFCU Community Stars Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization.

Community Stars, which was developed by the employees of LFCU, was started to provide support to charities selected by LFCU employees through financial donations and volunteerism. LFCU employees can make contributions to the chosen charities through regular payroll deductions and are able to volunteer during their normal work hours.

Every year, LFCU Community Stars will select which charities to support, with final decisions being made by the Foundation's Board comprised of LFCU employees.

LFCU also offers a donation-matching program for employees who make contributions through payroll deduction. Additionally, LFCU Community Stars will launch programs aimed at the 100,000 members of LFCU in an effort to increase the Foundation's ability to help charities in the communities served by LFCU.

"LFCU Community Stars is unique in that it is an IRS-approved nonprofit organization run by our employees," said Dave Styler, president and chief executive officer of Lockheed Federal Credit Union. "LFCU is one of the few companies that offer a means for employees to give back to their communities through donations of both time and money. Supporting the communities we serve is a basic principle under which LFCU operates, and Community Stars takes that support to the next level."

The four charities that were selected by the Foundation's Board for 2008 are; the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center, the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Penny Lane, and the weSPARK Cancer Support Center.

The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is a multipurpose facility dedicated to promoting independence, dignity and quality of life for senior citizens, and the community at large through community resource management and coordination, advocacy and a full spectrum of activities, events and community services. More information is available at www.scvseniorcenter.org.

weSPARK is a special place dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and their families and friends throughout the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys. Founded by actress Wendie Jo Sperber, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2005, weSPARK provides a positive environment where individuals can join with others to share their experience, strength, and hope. The organization offers multiple services designed to heal the mind, body and spirit of individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer. More information is available at www.wespark.org.
LFCU members wanting to participate in the LFCU Community Stars Foundation can get more information at www.lfcu.com.