Lizeth GeorgeOver the weekend, First Commerce Credit Union, based out of Tallahassee, Florida, hosted a community cookout in Ray City, Georgia. President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to the area, bringing supplies and offering brief remarks about the destruction and the ongoing recovery efforts.
“We came out here today. We fed probably a good 500 people and we’re going to keep at it until we run out of food,” said Michael Anderson, Credit Administration Manager at First Commerce Credit Union. Anderson worked alongside a group of dedicated volunteers who aimed to bring comfort to the community through hot meals and support during a challenging time.
President Biden’s visit reiterated the urgency of disaster relief, as he acknowledged the resilience of small towns like Ray City and praised the efforts of community organizations. While government aid can be slow to reach these rural areas, the immediate response from local entities like First Commerce Credit Union demonstrates how credit unions show up for their members and neighbors when they need it most.
Over the past week, First Commerce Credit Union has served more than 2,000 hot meals in four communities affected by Hurricane Helene, starting their efforts in the early days of the disaster, just as other resources were becoming available. This hands-on approach highlights the credit union’s deep commitment to supporting their communities, not only in times of financial need but also during critical recovery periods.
The community cookout was just one of many ways First Commerce Credit Union continues to be a pillar of strength and hope in times of crisis, showcasing how credit unions like First Commerce Credit Union truly live their mission of “people helping people.”
