Member-driven ‘Cash Back to the Community’ program empowers members to support local nonprofits, bringing total giving to more than $600,000
American Eagle Financial Credit Union (American Eagle) continues to strengthen local communities through its signature Cash Back to the Community program. This quarter, three local nonprofits—Pack Leaders Rescue of CT, Meriden Soup Kitchen, and Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach—each received $9,292 in member-driven donations, bringing the program’s total giving to more than $603,000 since its launch in 2020.
“Our mission goes beyond serving our members—it’s about strengthening the communities we call home,” said Howard Brady, American Eagle President & CEO. “With more families turning to community resources as federal support decreases, we’re proud that every American Eagle card swipe helps us give back to local organizations like the Meriden Soup Kitchen and Brian’s Angels that make a real difference every day.”
Every quarter, American Eagle gives back one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income—the fees collected from card transactions—to support three local nonprofit organizations. Through the Cash Back to the Community program, members and the public help decide where the funds go by nominating and voting for their favorite organizations. The three with the most votes each receive a donation.
In this quarterly round of the Cash Back to the Community program, the following three organizations received $9,292 apiece:
· Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut, East Hartford
Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut saves the lives of animals through rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption programs. Their transport service and behavioral training programs help animals find safe, loving forever homes.
“This generous donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union comes at a critical time,” said Tori Cateni, Co-Founder of Packer Leaders Rescue of CT. “Many rescues are overwhelmed by the growing demand for animal intake, and this support is deeply needed to help us continue our lifesaving work.”
· Meriden Soup Kitchen, Meriden
Meriden Soup Kitchen Meriden Soup Kitchen serves the hungry of the greater Meriden area with dignity and respect, regardless of background or circumstance.
“The Meriden Soup Kitchen is so thankful for the generous donation presented to us from American Eagle Financial Credit Union’s Cash Back to the Community program,” said MJ Higgins, Meriden Soup Kitchen, Volunteer and Board President. “This gift will allow us to continue to fulfill our mission of serving the hungry in the Meriden area. We will use these funds to purchase some of the food and drink we serve at our Monday-Friday lunchtime meal. In calendar year 2024, we served almost 40,000 meals. At this point, our 2025 meal count has exceeded that count. This donation is greatly appreciated to help put food and drink on the tables and feed all who walk through our door, no questions asked.”
· Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach, Bristol
Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach was founded in memory of Brian Pinz. They provide food, clothing, and shelter to homeless residents of Bristol, relying on passionate volunteers and community support to make a lasting impact.
“Brian’s Angels Homeless Outreach is so blessed and honored to receive this very, very generous donation from American Eagle Financial Credit Union. We plan to use this for food for our increasing clientele and necessities to keep our clients warm and protected through the winter months,” said Pat Stebbins, Executive Director and Founder of Brian’s Angels. “It could not have come at a more perfect time, and we are eternally grateful for being considered and honored by the community, which has taken notice of the amazing work we do to care for the less fortunate. Being an all-volunteer organization and having been around for 10 years is amazing in itself! Thank you once again!”