Media Contact:
Kirsten Andresen
KAPR for NW Plus CU
206-427-5482
Image Caption: NW Plus CU team (L to R): Lainey Cooley, Member Services Supervisor; Wayne Kilburn, Director of Marketing; Lorraine Trefault, MSR; Torrie Ramos, CEO; Karisa Simon, Lead MSR; Brian Walker, CFO; Shay Eddy, MSR.
Everett, WA (January 23, 2026) – NW Plus Credit Union is pleased to announce it has made a $20,000 donation to local food banks and pantries through its annual Hunger Heroes fundraising campaign. Launched in November 2025, the campaign set an initial goal of raising $10,000 to support six community partners across the markets NW Plus serves. Thanks to the generosity of its members and a matching contribution from NW Plus CU, the effort exceeded expectations and doubled its fundraising goal.
NW Plus CU accepted cash donations from November 17 through January 2, 2026, and contributed an additional $50 to the Hunger Heroes campaign for every new member account opened during that period. Individual donation checks are being distributed to community partners throughout January.
“This incredible result belongs to our members. Because of their generosity and belief in our mission, we not only met our goal, but we exceeded it. Their support is making a real, tangible difference for the many families served by our food bank partners and we could not be more grateful,” said Torrie Ramos, CEO, NW Plus CU.
Here’s a breakdown of donations per community partner:
- Helping Hands Food Bank and Solution Center – $2,000
- Stanwood Camano Food Bank – $2,500
- Arlington Community Food Bank – $2,000
- Marysville Community Food Bank – $3,000
- Millennia Ministries – $8,500
- Mill Creek Community Food Bank – $2,000
According to the Snohomish County Health Department, around 9 percent of people in Snohomish County (roughly 1 in 11) remain food insecure.
“Millennia Ministries recognizes the growing need for food assistance in our community. Our team and volunteers work with heart and dedication to ensure that every individual and family has access to the food they need and deserve,” Laurie Barbosa, Millennia Ministries Board Member and its ‘Bless the Block’ Leader, a monthly food distribution effort.
“NW Plus Credit Union and its members continue to be instrumental in our quest to ensure all of our neighbors have a nourishing meal. Their commitment to supporting the community helps us continue to serve during this difficult time, and beyond. Without the collective impact that partners like NW Plus Credit Union bring, we wouldn’t be able to serve the tens of thousands of families,” said Mandi Rothman, Chief Development Officer, Helping Hands Food Bank.
“Annual estimates show that the United States wastes between 100 and 200 million tons of food each year – enough to feed the world. Food security isn’t charity; it’s a basic human right. At Millennia Ministries, we believe that feeding our communities is food justice and our moral duty,” said Leilani Miller, Executive Director, Millennia Ministries.
About NW Plus Credit Union
Since 1939, NW Plus has provided financial services to the employees and family members of Frontier Communications formerly known as GTE and Verizon. Since then, it has expanded its charter to include anyone who lives, works, or worships in the State of Washington. NW Plus CU currently operates 6 branches located in Burlington, Everett, Marysville, Murphy’s Corner, Stanwood, Smokey Point. For more information, please visit: www.nwpluscu.com
