Here for U: UCU Gathers Team to Celebrate National Volunteer Week by Packing Meals for Neighbors
(April 21, 2026) – On Monday, April 20, University Credit Union (UCU) gathered its team of over 100 employees together at the Augusta Civic Center for its fourth annual Here for U Day of Service, with a coordinated, high-volume meal packaging effort in partnership with End Hunger New England.
UCU is dedicated to its involvement in the Maine Credit Union’s Campaign for Ending Hunger, an initiative dedicated to assisting local food pantries and addressing food insecurity throughout Maine. UCU’s support for the campaign features ongoing fundraising efforts, a recent Bingo event, and year-round staff volunteerism. Through these initiatives, the credit union demonstrates its commitment to supporting community members facing food insecurity, the inspiration for today’s event.
Held during National Volunteer Week and on Patriot’s Day, the day of service featured a fast-paced, assembly-line operation designed to pack 41,256 meals in just two hours, bringing employees from across the state together for a shared, hands-on experience rooted in giving back and supporting communities across Maine. With the meals packed, UCU is supporting 15 food pantries and local cupboards across the entire state, near and within its 10 branch footprint spanning from Presque Isle to Saco.
“Our Here for U Day of Service is one of the most meaningful days of the year for us,” said Renee Ouellette, President and CEO of University Credit Union. “There’s something powerful about bringing our entire team together and working side-by-side on an effort like this and seeing, in real time, how that work supports Mainers across our state.”
The UCU team also heard their own Whitney Blethen, Community Engagement Manager, about her efforts with the Seacoast Fridge in Kittery, and from Caitlin McGrath-Levesque of Red’s Good Vibes. Both presenters reflected on their personal experiences and shared inspirational messages about the importance of helping others in your community, erasing the stigmas of seeking help, and creating a judgement-free culture of support for one another. Following her presentation, UCU surprised Caitlin with a check for a donation to Red’s Good Vibes.
About University Credit Union
Established on the University of Maine campus in 1967, University Credit Union is an innovative, full-service financial institution dedicated to promoting financial well-being for the individuals and communities it serves. UCU is one of the largest credit unions in Maine, serving members across the state of Maine with locations in Orono, Bangor, Farmington, Gorham, Portland, Presque Isle, Machias, Augusta, and Saco. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, UCU returns its profits back to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher deposit yields, lower fees, and more solutions and services. For more information visit ucumaine.com.
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