TVFCU Gives Back with 291 Angel Tree Donations

This December, Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) donated nearly 300 bags of gifts to children and seniors in need through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Over the past month, credit union employees and members selected an “Angel Tag” from a tree in one of over a dozen participating branches and purchased items from the Angel’s wish list. TVFCU collected the gifts and delivered them to the Salvation Army’s warehouse to be distributed to families in need, bringing joy and smiles in time for the holidays.

In addition to the gifts received through the branches, employees raised over $13,000 at their annual day-before-Thanksgiving food auction, and then went on a shopping spree to fulfill more holiday wish lists.

“It is a tremendous gift to see such participation from our members and our employees,” said Nick Townsend, AVP of Information Technology and auctioneer at this year’s food auction. “TVFCU has participated in the Angel Tree program for two decades now, and this year we had an amazing level of engagement — by far the biggest response we have ever seen. Thank you to everyone who participated. There is no gift that is too small as we never know the impact these gifts will have on someone’s life.”

Participating branches included: Athens, City Center, Dalton, Eastgate, Hamilton Place, Highway 58, Hixson, Kimball, North Cleveland, Ooltewah, Soddy Daisy, South Cleveland, and Southside. Other branches participated in programs like Stocking Full of Love (Chickamauga, Fort Oglethorpe, Highway 41, Ringgold) and Toys & Coats for Kids (Dayton).

“The results were truly exceptional,” said Todd Fortner, President and CEO of the credit union. “We saw a 55% increase in Angel Tree giving compared to 2024, making this a record-breaking year. Through the combined efforts of our members and employees, 291 Angels and Silver Bells (senior adults) were fulfilled this holiday season.”

As a not-for-profit, member-owned credit union, TVFCU is committed to creating “A Place for All of Us” and giving back to the Tennessee Valley and North Georgia. To learn more about all the ways TVFCU invests in the community, visit tvfcu.com/community.

Although the Angel Tree program has wrapped up for 2025, individuals can support the Salvation Army’s vital programs year-round by donating at csarmy.org.