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Spreading Holiday Spirit in the Communities We Love

Milford Team - Santa's Porch Donation

The holiday season can be a time of caring, connection, and gift-giving. While it brings joy to many, that isn’t always the case for those in need. With this in mind, Central One Federal Credit Union was determined to help make the season brighter for families who may not have the resources to celebrate in the same way. 

Across our branches and behind the scenes, our team worked together to support local organizations, brighten the holidays for families in need, and turn celebration into meaningful impact. 

Celebration Meets Community Impact 

For the third year in a row, Central One’s employee holiday party doubled as a way to give back. A festive charity casino night brought employees and their guests together for a purposeful evening of fun. 

After playing blackjack, poker, and other casino-style games, employees cashed in their casino chips for raffle tickets. Each raffle winner then chose a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit to receive a $1,000 donation from Central One. By the end of the night, $20,000 had been donated to causes close to the hearts of our employees. 

The organizations supported through this year’s event included: 

It was a powerful example of our employees leading with compassion, and how that compassion reaches far beyond a single night. 

Making the Holidays Brighter for Local Families 

The spirit of giving didn’t stop after the charity casino. Central One employees carried that same energy and compassion into their branches, coming together to support local families through Giving Trees and branch-wide toy drives. 

Alongside employees, our members also collected gifts for children and families served by local organizations, including: 

  • Worcester DCF 
  • Auburn Youth & Family Services 
  • Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services 
  • Santa’s Porch (Milford) 
  • Toys for Tots (Northborough) 
  • Westborough Youth & Family Services 
  • Friendly House (Worcester) 

Each gift was donated with love during a time that matters most. 

Spotlight on Local Branch Efforts 

Each of our branches played a hands-on role in supporting their local communities throughout the season. Every branch had $1,000 to purchase toys for their own branch toy drives, helping ensure local children had gifts under the tree. 

At our Auburn branch, employees and members partnered with Auburn Youth & Family Services, collecting toys and gifts throughout December to support families in town. The effort reflected the branch’s deep connection to the families they serve every day. 

In Milford, our branch team supported Santa’s Porch with their toy drive to ensure local children experience the magic of the holidays. Employees and members came together to provide gifts and additional support for families in need right in their own community. 

Both efforts were part of Central One’s broader holiday giving initiatives, reinforcing the idea that meaningful impact starts locally. 

More Than a Season of Giving 

While the holidays offer a special opportunity to give back, this work reflects something bigger. Through charitable giving, employee engagement, and long-standing community partnerships, Central One remains committed to supporting the communities we serve. Not just during the holidays, but all year long. 

You can read more about these initiatives on our philanthropy page. 

Branch lobbies, drive-ups, and the Member Support Center will close at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, 2/3, for a staff meeting.