Ascentra Credit Union and its members raised $24,300 last year for the local Salvation Army Corps through its annual Ride 50 auto loan promotion.
Through Ride 50, which runs annually from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, Ascentra gives $50 to borrowers and donates $50 to a local charity with every new qualifying auto loan or refinance, according to a news release from the credit union.
In 2023, the donations were given to one of four Salvation Army regions, depending on the borrower’s choice. Over the past holiday season, Ascentra’s nine branches processed 286 auto loans, raising $14,300.
The five Quad Cities branches raised $10,350, the Moline branch raised $1,700, the Muscatine, Iowa, branch raised $1,000 and the two branches in Clinton, Iowa, raised $1,250, the release states.
Ascentra’s board of directors also approved a donation of an additional $10,000, raising the total to $24,300.
Need still growing
“Food insecurity and shelter needs continue to grow in our communities,” said Linda Andry, president and CEO of Ascentra Credit Union, in the release. “There is no better time than now to dig deep and support local organizations who are already making an impact in these areas. Our leadership and board felt led to give more to help make an even bigger impact this holiday season.”
The partnership between the Salvation Army and Ascentra began in 2019. Since then, Ascentra’s Ride 50 holiday auto loan promotion and its members have generated more than $76,000 for The Salvation Army. The two also partnered for the promotion in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
“The Salvation Army of the QCA made a call for help to make a difference, and our community answered generously at the red kettle,” said Maj. Robert Doliber, The Salvation Army’s Quad Cities coordinator, in the release.
“Volunteers rallied, and partners such as Ascentra Credit Union propelled us to the top of the goal ($750,000) to meet the ever-increasing needs for our services.”
In recognition of their partnership, The Salvation Army presented Ascentra Credit Union with a framed certificate stating: “This certificate is awarded to Ascentra Credit Union in grateful recognition of your continued support, the Salvation Army of the Quad Cities, January 24, 2024.”
For more information about Ascentra, visit its website.
