2023 Great Holiday
Giveback
We’re celebrating the season of giving in a big way
Winter holidays are when our community comes together and celebrates the commitment we have to each other. For the third year in a row, we’ve let you – members and IC team members – choose which charities most deserve our help. We’ve raffled off the chance to nominate your favorite non-profits to receive more than $15,000 in donations from IC. To see who our winners nominated and why, check out the interviews attached to each charity logo below.
Which charities did our 10 winners select?
Animal shelters, a school, and religious programs are among the groups nominated by both members and team members. Each winning non-profit nominated by our members addresses multiple needs in their respective communities and illustrates the importance of taking care of each other at the most fundamental level.
To learn more about these organizations and why they were chosen, hover over the tiles below for interviews with the members who nominated them.
![Society of St. Vincent de Paul Worcester MA Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo05.jpg)
BettyAnn Harrington
![A group of smiling Friends of the Poor volunteers standing for a photo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/friends-of-the-poor.jpeg)
![Society of St. Vincent de Paul Worcester MA Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/svdp-worcester-logo-1.png)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps local needy families with shelter, utilities, rental assistance, holiday assistance, gas, etc.. This year they have been hit especially hard due to the flooding in our area which has depleted much of their funds. They are totally dependent on donations. They are not state or federally funded.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
I have personally seen the difference they make when a person and or family is in desperate need and have no where to go. They are not judgmental. They are extremely compassionate. They go above and beyond to help those in need in our local community and they are very discreet and totally anonymous.
![Saint Bernards Elementary School Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo04.jpg)
Deborah Wright
![A stone sign with the words "Saint Bernards Elementary School" carved into it. There are flowers growing around the sign](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/St-Bernards-Elementary-School.jpg)
![Saint Bernards Elementary School logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Saint-Bernards-Elementary-School-logo-e1701807949321.png)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
St. Bernard’s Elementary School has been educating children in Fitchburg since 1886. It proudly enrolls more than 250 children from PreK to Grade 8 from 3 cities and 11 towns across northern Worcester County and southern New Hampshire. The students and their families reflect the diversity of our communities enriching the traditions of our school.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
St. Bernard’s continues to expand programs and resources for it’s children. One of their next projects is to renew the Pre-K playground with a new surface covering and new permanent age appropriate structures within the already fenced in space.
![Montachusett Chorale Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo09.jpg)
Charles Funk
![A photo of the Montachusett Chorale signing together](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DSC_00531-1.jpeg)
![Montachusett Chorale Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montachusett-Chorale-Logo.jpeg)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
The Montachusett Chorale was founded in 1992 by its current director, Peter J. Inzerillo as a non-audition chorus. The Chorale is made up of volunteer singers and is based in Leominster, MA. They take all proceeds of their concerts and they donate them to a local charity.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
The Hot Fugue Sundae, commonly known as “The Fugue”, is an octet of chorale members that explores more creative and rhythmic pieces. The primary mission of “The Fugue” is to preserve the music of the Great American Songbook accompanied by a rhythm section. Like the Chorale, its performances benefit local charitable organizations.
![Our Father's Table logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo07.jpg)
David Mullen
![A photo of a person handing a bowl of food to another person. There is food in the background](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cropped-OFT-New-Header-Image-2@1.25x.jpg)
![Our Father's Table Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/our-fathers-table-logo-1.webp)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
Our Father’s Table is an all-volunteer feeding ministry proud to be serving the Fitchburg community for more than 40 years. They feed the less fortunate. Volunteers come from all walks of life and have a heart for serving people.
![MSPCA Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo06.jpg)
Christine Melvard
![A photo of a young dog at a shelter](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSPCA-Dog.webp)
![MSPCA logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/mspca-logo.jpeg)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
Massachusetts Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. I am passionate about animals, and they do a lot to help animals in need, giving hands-on care to many thousands of animals each year.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
They provide emergency assistance and strategic-planning help for animal-protection groups across the country and around the globe.
Which charities did our 5 winning IC team members nominate?
Much like the groups chosen by our members, the winning IC team members focused their nominations on local, even neighborhood-level charities. These included animal rescue organizations, MS society, Catholic Charities, and many others that dedicate themselves to strengthening the communities in which we work and live.
To learn more about these organizations and why they were chosen, hover over the tiles below for interviews with the team members who nominated them.
![Fitchburg Friends of Felines Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo08.jpg)
Donna Caouette
![a photo of a cat laying down, grooming it's paws](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/cache_4112018294.jpg)
![Fitchburg Friends of Felines logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fitchburg-friends-of-felines-logo.jpeg)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
They have a TNR program to help control the homeless, abandoned cat population in the city.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
They help in supporting families who can not afford basic pet/vet care.
![Multiple sclerosis society logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo03.jpg)
Aryana Barrett
![A graphic that depicts people living with MS](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/national_ms_society_cover.jpeg)
![national multiple sclerosis society logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/national-multiple-sclerosis-society-logo.jpeg)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
They research to find a cure for MS and help those affected by it. My father has MS this why I support them.
![Sterling Animal Shelter logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo02.jpg)
Laura LaVoie & Dale Ludwick
![Sterling Animal Shelter](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sterling-animal-shelter-cover.png)
![Sterling Animal Shelter](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/sterling-animal-shelter.png)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
Laura: Animal welfare, no kill shelter
Dale: Great shelter!
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
Laura:Spay/neuter programs
Dale: No kill shelter
![Catholic Charities Worcester County Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/logo01.jpg)
Daniel Ingemi
![A smiling and happy family standing in front of a smiling worker's window. There are 2 children in this family and they are wearing backpacks](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1-2023-Annual-Report-e1702393784120.png)
![Catholic Charities Worcester County logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-2-e1702393545332.png)
Tell us about the organization you’re nominating. What do they do? Why are you passionate about them?
Catholic Charities helps out the world in Education, life skills, clothing, emergency shelter, counseling, and feeding people. As Practicing Roman Catholic, and a Knight of Columbus, I love giving back, and have participated in Community fundraising and charities with the church, cooking meals, and helping out.
Are there specific projects or campaigns of theirs that you feel especially passionate about supporting?
Their Family centric support, helps provide food and supplies, such as diapers for babies, backpack, and food pantries for families in need.
$5,000 donated to charities chosen by other IC team members
Remaining IC team members who didn’t win were awarded $100 each to donate to charities of their choosing. Here are a few of the organizations that received their support.
![fitchburg Fitchburg Friends of Felines logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fitchburg-friends-of-felines-logo-e1701806712799.png)
![Fostering-change-foster-closet-2 Fostering Change Foster Closet Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Fostering-change-foster-closet-2-e1701806748381.png)
![Butler Farm Dog Park-logo Butler Farm Dog Park Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Butler-Farm-Dog-Park-logo-e1701806668974.png)
![GOTR_Logo_Color Girls on the Run Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GOTR_Logo_Color-e1701806780780.png)
![Ahimsa-Haven-Animal-Rescue-logo Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ahimsa-Haven-Animal-Rescue-logo-e1701798069644.jpeg)
![American Parkison Disease Association-logo American Parkison Disease Association logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/American-Parkison-Disease-Association-logo-e1701798409302.png)
![Be-Like-Brit-Logo (1) Be Like Brit Foundation Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Be-Like-Brit-Logo-1-e1701806880358.png)
![Beautifying Oncology Spa Services-logo Beautifying Oncology Spa Services logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Beautifying-Oncology-Spa-Services-logo-e1701806830744.png)
![Boys and Girls Club of Lunenburg-logo Boys and Girls Club of Lunenburg logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Boys-and-Girls-Club-of-Lunenburg-logo-e1701800042413.png)
![CSFCM-logo_edited Cancer Support Fund of Central Mass Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CSFCM-logo_edited-e1701800186923.png)
![making-opportunity-count](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/making-opportunity-count.png)
![stone-soup-kitchen-ministries](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/stone-soup-kitchen-ministries.png)
![CareNet_Logo CareNet logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/CareNet_Logo-e1701806931652.png)
![Catholic Charities Diocese Of Worcester Inc Catholic Charities Diocese of Worcester Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Catholic-Charities-Diocese-Of-Worcester-Inc-e1701806624348.png)
![Elizabeth Todorov Toy Drive Elizabeth Todorov Toy Drive logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elizabeth-Todorov-Toy-Drive.png)
![Sterling Animal Shelter Sterling Animal Shelter, Inc. Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sterling-Animal-Shelter.png)
![fitchburg-loves-the-children](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/fitchburg-loves-the-children.png)
![HOPE House of Peace and Education HOPE House of Peace and Education logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/HOPE-House-of-Peace-and-Education-e1701806426922.png)
![Jehovah Witness Northboro or Leominster congregation Jehovah Witness of Northboro, Leominster Congregation Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Jehovah-Witness-Northboro-or-Leominster-congregation-e1701806373904.png)
![nashua-children-s-home](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nashua-children-s-home.png)
![Johnny Appleseed PTO Johnny Appleseed School Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Johnny-Appleseed-PTO-e1701800662796.jpeg)
![Montachusett Chorale (1) Montachusett Chorale logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Montachusett-Chorale-1-e1701808060984.png)
![operation-smile](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/operation-smile-e1701808015887.png)
![the-vanessa-t-marcotte-foundation](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/the-vanessa-t-marcotte-foundation.png)
![the-national-multiple-sclerosis-society](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/the-national-multiple-sclerosis-society-e1701807565907.png)
![MSPCA-Angell_Logo_Northeast-Animal-Shelter_cmyk-002 MSPCA Angell Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MSPCA-Angell_Logo_Northeast-Animal-Shelter_cmyk-002-e1701808110119.png)
![NewVue_LogoSquareShape NewVue Communities Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NewVue_LogoSquareShape-e1701807425973.jpg)
![North County Land Trust North County Land and trust logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/North-County-Land-Trust-e1701807195805.jpg)
![Northeast Coonhound Rescue Northeast Coonhound Rescue logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Northeast-Coonhound-Rescue-e1701807398794.png)
![Second-Chance-Primary-Logo-Multi-Color Second Chance logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Second-Chance-Primary-Logo-Multi-Color-e1701807254609.png)
![Pat Brody Shelter Pat Brody Shelter](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/pat-brody-shelter-e1701807482989.png)
![gardner-relay-or-life](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/gardner-relay-or-life.png)
![Saint-Bernards-Elementary-School-logo Saint Bernards Elementary School logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Saint-Bernards-Elementary-School-logo-e1701807949321.png)
![NAMI_logo.svg NAMI logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NAMI_logo.svg-e1701801144127.png)
![RBFoundationlogo The Russell Brooks Foundation Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/RBFoundationlogo-e1701807358907.png)
![download A colorful abstract graphic showing playful pets](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-e1701807152813.jpeg)
![download (1) Westminster Historical Society Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-1-e1701801420750.jpeg)
![download (1) Neighbors Helping Neighbors Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-1-e1701800780205.png)
![Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster-logo (1) Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Boys-Girls-Club-of-Fitchburg-and-Leominster-logo-1-e1701800000772.png)
![6830671-logo Why Me & Sherry's House Logo](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/6830671-logo-e1701807095286.jpg)
![images A graphic of a woman iceskating](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-e1701807036946.jpeg)
![download (2) A graphic of 3 brown gears interlocked](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/download-2-e1701806998103.jpeg)
Our commitment
We at IC Credit Union strongly believe that a credit union – or any business for that matter – is only as strong as the communities it serves. Since our inception in 1928 as a member-owned non-profit institution, we’ve focused on offering services that provide a positive impact to both our members and their neighborhoods. And throughout the year we’re deeply involved with a wide array of charitable organizations and nonprofits throughout Massachusetts, whether through outreach, volunteering, or corporate giving.
This year’s Great Holiday GiveBack is an opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on a number of these organizations that are close to our members’ and employees’ hearts, and share with you the reasons why.
Click below to learn more about IC’s charitable and corporate giving programs, aimed at making a positive difference in our Massachusetts communities.
![Group 228 IC Community Involvement banner](https://www.iccreditunion.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Group-228.png)