For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Abigail Miller, Argentum Partners
702.469.7559 | [email protected]
Irwindale, Cal. – Rize Credit Union (Rize) team members came together with Operation Gratitude and other supporting organizations to assemble 10,000 care packages for first responders and National Guard members who bravely served on the frontlines of the recent wildfires. The LA-based nonprofit will deliver these care packages, filled with handwritten letters, useful items, and heartfelt tokens of appreciation to those who risked their lives to protect Angelenos.
“As our communities begin the difficult process of rebuilding, we recognize that the devastation could have been far worse without the incredible efforts of first responders and National Guard members,” said Jennifer Oliver, president and CEO of Rize Credit Union. “At Rize, our commitment to making a difference runs deep, and that’s why 170 Rize team members came together to support Operation Gratitude and express our profound appreciation for those who worked tirelessly to safeguard our communities.”
“Operation Gratitude is proud to lead this national expression of thanks,” said Meg Barron, executive director of Operation Gratitude. “This is more than a single event—it’s a powerful demonstration of appreciation from people across the country, showing First Responders that their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.”
In addition to partnering with Operation Gratitude, Rize has launched essential item donation drives to support impacted families, opened their Southern California branch locations as temporary community workspaces, implemented a dedicated hotline for impacted members to access emergency financial relief, and created three fundraising options for those who wish to contribute to recovery efforts, ensuring support reaches those in great need.
For more details on Rize Credit Union’s wildfire relief and recovery initiatives, visit RizeCU.com/SupportLA.
Download photos HERE and video HERE.
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About Rize Credit Union
Founded in 1952 and later becoming SCE Credit Union, Rize Credit Union is a not-for-profit, mission-driven financial institution proudly serving California and Nevada and helping its members thrive – realizing potential through education and a full suite of banking products. Their mission is to uplift communities by providing the knowledge, access, and care that empowers all individuals to achieve lasting financial security and providing banking in underserved areas is a core commitment. It is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. For more information on Rize Credit Union, please visit RizeCU.com or follow them on Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is a Los Angeles-founded and based nonprofit whose mission is to lift spirits, say thank you to our Military and First Responder communities, and honor their service by creating opportunities for all Americans to express their gratitude through hands-on volunteerism. Since sending its first Care Package in March 2003, Operation Gratitude has delivered over four million Care Packages to Deployed Troops, Recruit Graduates, Veterans, Military Families, and First Responders. The volunteers of Operation Gratitude are a generous and spirited grassroots network of Americans united in a common cause to say “Thank You” to all who serve our great nation. For more than two decades, Operation Gratitude has been making a difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes, and with your help, we can continue to show our gratitude to those who serve. For more information, visit OperationGratitude.com or follow us on social media.