For the seventh year, Serve Credit Union coordinated its annual Santa Claus at SCU, a holiday tradition grounded in the credit union’s philosophy of helping people and focused on supporting deserving families within its membership navigate a tough holiday season.
Credit union members and staff collected gifts and monetary donations at branch locations to help brighten the holidays for two nominated families. The effort concluded with a festive wrap-up celebration where members were invited to come and go while enjoying Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and a holiday craft. Gifts and donations were presented to the families during the event.
One of the families supported this year, the Holsteen Family, is navigating the holidays while father Jake Holsteen is deployed overseas serving in the Army National Guard. At home, his wife Katy has been caring for their three young children while balancing daily life during a season centered on togetherness.
“The kids and I miss Jake terribly, but we are so proud of his service and the sacrifices made by all our service members,” the family shared. “We are humbled and grateful for the support shown to us this holiday season while they are away, especially as other national guard families are dealing with the loss of loved ones this holiday season.”
The second family honored during the event has experienced a year marked by both love and unexpected hardship. After a family loss in November 2024, the parents stepped in to adopt their young niece. Earlier this fall, the adoption was finalized, officially welcoming her as their daughter. Soon after, the family received heartbreaking news that she had been diagnosed with leukemia. She is now beginning chemotherapy treatments expected to continue for approximately two and a half years.
The generosity of the credit union’s members was felt throughout the season. A Giving Tuesday match totaled $4,030 between the two families. In total, the Santa Claus Event generated more than $8,300 in donations and gifts, with members choosing to support families in ways that were most meaningful to them.
“This event is about standing alongside our members during some of their most challenging moments,” said Serve Credit Union CEO Jami Weems. “We are grateful to our members and staff who helped make the holidays brighter for these families, and thank all our members serving on the front lines.”
Serve Credit Union extends heartfelt thanks to its members, staff, and donors for helping brighten the holiday season across the community.