FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2024

Contact:
Amber Milsap
Community Relations Officer
(808) 441-7364
amber@hawaiicentral.org
www.hawaiicentral.org

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF HAWAII IS IN THE FINAL PHASE OF THEIR YEAR END FUNDRAISER, HAWAII CENTRAL FCU PROVIDES A BOOST TO TEENS

HONOLULU, HI— A team of Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union (FCU) staff volunteers worked through the holidays to spread a little holiday cheer to the teens at the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii (BGCH), Waianae Clubhouse.

“Only about a quarter of the way there in our end of year fundraiser, having Hawaii Central FCU approach us in this way and knowing other organizations in our community believe in our mission is a real boost!” said Inglish Jones, BGCH Director of Development whose passion shines through as a beneficiary of BGCH programs. Although the BGCH receives in-kind donations from multiple donors during the holiday season “Our teens are often overlooked,” she continued.

BGCH serves a diverse population of youth aged 7 to 17, primarily from under-resourced communities. Many of their members come from Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander backgrounds (50%), and a significant portion face socio-economic challenges, with 96% living in low to very low-income households. Through 9 Clubhouses and outreach services, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii reaches over 10,000 young people each year.

“Teens have unique needs,” explained Jones who suggested that “gift cards to McDonald’s or Taco Bell would be a real treat.” Hawaii Central staff volunteers worked

hard and, with the support of their coworkers, were able to raise enough funds to purchase $20 McDonald’s gift cards for all 56 Club teens at the Waianae Clubhouse. Residual funds, after the purchase of gift cards, were donated to the BGCH year end fundraiser.

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us provide brighter futures for Hawaiʻi’s keiki,” Jones emphasized. “With just a few weeks left in our year-end fundraiser, we invite everyone to visit bgch.com and support our mission to ensure every child feels valued, inspired, and empowered.”

Helping local teens as they transition into their adult life is important to Hawaii Central FCU and, in the coming year, the credit union has plans to address financial literacy needs among BGCH teens.

About Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union
Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is recognized by FORBES as a top Credit Union in the State of Hawaii. Founded in 1937, Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 16,000 members and has nearly $300 million in assets. Membership is open to all individuals who live, work, worship or attend school on Oahu. Businesses and other legal entities on the island are also eligible for membership.