#United States #Maryland #Kindness Campaign #SECU

SECU Launches the 2025 Kindness Campaign

This October, SECU, the largest state-chartered credit union in Maryland, proudly announces the commencement of its sixth annual Kindness Campaign. With an ambitious goal of one million acts of kindness, this initiative seeks to inspire Maryland residents to exhibit compassion and goodwill within their communities.

A Mission Rooted in Community

Launched amidst the challenges faced during the fall of 2020, the Kindness Campaign began with a simple yet profound mission: to uplift the spirits of Marylanders through meaningful acts of kindness. Over its five-year span, the campaign has evolved into a powerful movement, uniting volunteers, organizations, and communities under the shared belief that kindness can create a lasting impact.

In the previous year alone, the campaign achieved over 590,579 recorded acts of kindness, showcasing the dedication of Marylanders to support one another. "At SECU, kindness is seen as both fundamental and transformative. It's about being present for one another in ways that truly matter," stated Dave Sweiderk, President and CEO of SECU. He emphasizes that the Kindness Campaign reflects SECU's core value of 'people helping people' and serves to strengthen the bonds within the community.

Collaborating for a Stronger Maryland

The Kindness Campaign is spearheaded in collaboration with the SECU MD Foundation, which strives to empower individuals towards achieving personal and financial wellness. This year, the initiative is expanding its reach with the aid of various partners, both familiar and new, including:

• - The Charitable Foundation of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors (GBBR)
• - Maryland Association of Nonprofits
• - Towson University
• - Baltimore Center Stage, among others.

For the third consecutive year, SECU has secured an official proclamation from the office of Governor Wes Moore, designating October as Kindness Month in Maryland. This recognition reiterates SECU's commitment to fostering community connections and their significant impact across the state.

Signature Events Coming Up

The 2025 Kindness Campaign will launch with a statewide food drive aimed at supporting college students experiencing food insecurity at various institutions, including Morgan State University and Frostburg State University. This drive, named the "Kickoff to Kindness" Food Drive, will run through September 30, collecting nutritious, non-perishable food items that directly benefit struggling students.

SECU's flagship event, the annual Day of Kindness, returns on October 13, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers across nearly 30 events throughout the state. In this single day of service, volunteers will organize and replenish college food pantries using collected donations and engage in numerous community service activities, with expectations of generating at least 350,000 acts of kindness.

Ongoing Engagement Opportunities

The following events are also part of the campaign:

• - Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference (October 9): SECU’s sponsorship enables free professional headshots for attendees, facilitating career growth opportunities.
• - Make-A-Wish Foundation Annual Golf Tournament (October 13): Participants will engage to support critically ill children through fundraising efforts.
• - World Food Day (October 16): A continued focus on initiatives addressing food insecurity statewide.
• - National Arts & Humanities Month: SECU is proud to sponsor Free Fall Baltimore, a month-long initiative enhancing community access to cultural experiences.

A Call to Action

Through these extensive programs and efforts, SECU and the SECU MD Foundation aim to inspire fellow Marylanders to volunteer and act with empathy, reminding everyone that every act of kindness matters, no matter how small. From donating food to reading programs in schools, each initiative contributes significantly to the campaign’s collective mission: nurturing a more compassionate and interconnected Maryland.

To participate or learn more about the progress of the campaign, visit secukindness.org.

About SECU

As Maryland’s largest state-chartered credit union, SECU proudly serves over 250,000 members through 23 financial centers across the state. With a commitment to their members, SECU offers access to over 50,000 free ATMs and provides expert financial planning assistance. As a not-for-profit organization, SECU emphasizes member welfare, with membership open to various Maryland communities. More information can be found by visiting www.secumd.org or through their social media platforms.