Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union present checks to the Columbia County School District and the Richmond County School System at the districts' respective Board of Education meetings on April 22. Left: Columbia County; Right: Richmond County.

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates Over $66,000 to Local High Schools Through Affinity Debit Card Program

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April 23, 2025

Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Richmond County School System and the Columbia County School District with a combined total of over $66,000 from proceeds generated through the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program. The donations were announced during the respective Board of Education meetings held on April 22.

A check for $11,317.91 was presented to the Richmond County School System, while the Columbia County School District received $55,157.80. These funds represent all 2024 transactions made by SRP members using Affinity Debit Cards customized for each participating high school.

Through the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, members can select debit cards featuring unique designs representing local high schools or Augusta Technical College. Each time a member uses their card for a purchase, SRP donates funds to the school displayed on the card. Since the program’s inception in 2018, more than $2 million has been donated to 46 schools across eight counties in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

“We are grateful for this continued partnership between SRP Federal Credit Union and our five high schools,” said Dr. Steven Flynt, Columbia County School District Superintendent. “Their efforts align with our strategic plan objectives that aim to enrich student achievement through community engagement. These funds allow our schools to enhance the high-level of learning that happens in classrooms across the Columbia County School District. Thank you, SRP Federal Credit Union, for all you do to engage, enrich, and inspire our students and staff.”

In addition, Dr. Malinda Cobb, Richmond County School System Interim Superintendent said, “The Richmond County School System is grateful for SRP Federal Credit Union’s continued partnership and their investment in our students. Support from the Affinity Debit Card Program helps create more opportunities for learning, growth, and success in our schools. Their commitment to education and to our community is deeply appreciated.”

The 11 Richmond County high schools benefiting from the program include: Academy of Richmond County, Butler High School, Cross Creek High School, Glenn Hills High School, Hephzibah High School, Lucy C. Laney High School, T.W. Josey High School, Westside High School, A.R. Johnson Health Science & Engineering Magnet School, Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, and Richmond County Technical Career Magnet School.

In Columbia County, Affinity funds will support Evans High School, Greenbrier High School, Grovetown High School, Harlem High School, and Lakeside High School.

Participating schools have full discretion over how the funds are used, allowing flexibility to address their greatest needs. Past donations have supported teacher certifications, technology upgrades, student incentives, team uniforms, school equipment, and more.

“The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program would not be possible without the support of our loyal members who choose to give back with every swipe,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer at SRP Federal Credit Union. “At SRP, we believe in the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People,’ and we’re proud to help uplift students and educators across Richmond and Columbia Counties.”

Three SRP representatives and the Columbia County School District superintendent hold a large check for a ceremonial check presentation. — Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union join Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt in a check presentation at the April 22 Columbia County Board of Education meeting. From left to right: Michael Clennett, SRP team member; Dr. Flynt, Superintendent; Yvonne Meeks, SRP team member; Terry Meeks, SRP board member.

Three SRP representatives and two Richmond County School System representatives hold a ceremonial check. — Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union join Richmond County School System leaders in a check presentation at the April 22 Richmond County Board of Education meeting. From left to right: Shawnda Stovall, President, Richmond County Board of Education; Charmaine Finch, SRP team member; Shana Reid, SRP Chief Development Officer; Grace Helms, SRP team member; Dr. Malinda Cobb, Richmond County School System Interim Superintendent.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 196,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

A collage graphic showing the following:

Top left: SRP Federal Credit Union Community Development team members Michael Clennett, Charmaine Finch, and Grace Helms stand behind a table featuring SRP folders, pens, and other items.

Right: Community Development team member Yvonne Meeks leads a game of financial jeopardy at USC Aiken.

Bottom left: A view of the game board for Financial Jeopardy by SRP Federal Credit Union.

SRP Federal Credit Union Hosts Financial Education Event at USC Aiken

posted on

April 22, 2025

Aiken, SC – On April 2, SRP Federal Credit Union hosted Pace Your Finances, a financial education event for college students at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Led by SRP’s Community Development Department, the event featured a Jeopardy!-style trivia game focused on credit. Students competed for prizes while learning about essential financial topics such as credit scores, loans, and more.

The event reflects SRP’s continued commitment to promoting financial literacy at the university level. In 2024, SRP and the USC Aiken School of Business Administration launched Pacer $mart, a financial education initiative designed to serve both college and high school students.

Developed to equip students with the tools they need for long-term financial success, the Pacer $mart program offers a comprehensive personal finance curriculum that encourages informed decision-making. In March, representatives from SRP and USC Aiken unveiled a co-branded classroom and hallway dedicated to the program.

Rooted in the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union continues to invest in financial education across the communities it serves. In addition to Pacer $mart, SRP offers a variety of educational resources, including seminars, counseling, school visits, and more.

About SRP

Members of SRP's Marketing and Community Development Team prepare to drop off 47 Easter baskets for seniors in Aiken County as part of United Way of Aiken County's Be a Bunny outreach project.

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates 47 Care Baskets for Aiken County Seniors

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April 18, 2025

Aiken, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union team members donated, assembled, and dropped off dozens of Easter baskets for United Way of Aiken County’s Be a Bunny outreach project, which provides helpful items for seniors in need.

Team members from across departments and branches at SRP contributed to the initiative. The festive baskets included hygiene supplies, activity books, reading glasses, non-perishable foods, sugar-free candy, nutritional shakes, socks, blankets, and more.

The SRP Community Development team dropped off all 47 baskets at Aiken Senior Life Services on April 4, adding to shelves full of donated baskets for seniors in the community.

Committed to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union team members are dedicated to giving back to the community. In 2024, SRP team members contributed 6,585 hours of volunteer service supporting a wide range of causes.

“At SRP, we exist to make the people we serve and the communities we serve better. We are in awe of our team members’ unwavering efforts to improve lives in our community,” said Yvonne Meeks, Community Development Representative, SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Launches Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card

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April 1, 2025

Thomson, GA – Thomson High School has joined SRP Federal Credit Union’s growing Affinity Debit Card Program, an initiative that helps fund local education across Georgia and South Carolina.

Featuring the school’s black and gold logo and a unique brick pattern background, the Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card’s design honors the history and tradition of the Thomson Bulldogs.

"We are so pleased to partner with SRP Federal Credit Union in creating the new Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card,” said Dr. Mychele Rhodes, McDuffie County Superintendent of Schools. “The funds raised from this program will provide recognition for deserving Thomson High School students, encouraging them to achieve their academic goals."

The SRP Affinity Debit Card Program began in 2018 to help strengthen high schools with funding. Every time an SRP member makes a purchase with an Affinity Debit Card, SRP donates to the school designated on the card.

The addition of Thomson High School brings the total number of participating schools to 46, and each school’s Affinity Card features a unique design with school colors and logos.

Since its launch, the program has provided over $2 million in funding for public, charter, and private high schools in eight CSRA counties.

Participating schools have full discretion over how they use the Affinity donations, allowing them to allocate funds wherever they are needed most. These unrestricted funds have supported a wide range of needs, including computers, team uniforms, teacher certifications, student incentives, school equipment, and more.

Committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to enhancing the communities it serves and uplifting local education through initiatives like the Affinity Debit Card Program.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 195,000 members. Recognized for excellence in business and community impact, SRP was recently named the 2024 Large Business of the Year by both the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Representatives of USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union prepare to cut the ribbon on the newly designed Pacer $mart hallway and classroom.

USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union Unveil New Pacer $mart Classroom

posted on

March 27, 2025

Aiken, SC – Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union and the University of South Carolina Aiken gathered on March 21 to celebrate the unveiling of a newly designed classroom and hallway dedicated to financial education at the university.

The new learning space will host Pacer $mart, a financial education program created in partnership between SRP and USCA’s School of Business Administration. Designed to equip college and high school students with financial knowledge, the program covers key personal finance topics, including budgeting, saving, credit, investing, insurance, taxes, and economics.

“The Pacer $mart program is a testament to the power of partnership in shaping students’ financial futures,” said Dr. Daniel J. Heimmermann, Chancellor at USCA. “This newly designed space will serve as a dynamic hub for financial learning, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions throughout their lives.”

Located inside USCA’s Business & Education building, the newly branded Pacer $mart classroom will serve as a hub for guest speakers, financial success camps, and other educational initiatives. The classroom and adjoining hallway feature wall murals that incorporate university and SRP branding, along with an inspiring quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

SRP Federal Credit Union remains dedicated to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” by fostering financial education in the communities it serves. In addition to the Pacer $mart program, SRP provides personal financial education through seminars, financial counseling, school visits, and more.

“Uplifting our communities through financial education is a cornerstone of our mission at SRP,” said Liz Ponder, Interim CEO, SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to partner with USC Aiken to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need for lifelong financial success.”

Representatives from SRP Federal Credit Union and Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School gather after dropping off shoes from SRP's shoe drive for OWES students.

SRP Foundation and SRP Team Members Provide New Shoes for Oakwood-Windsor Elementary Students

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March 25, 2025

Aiken County, SC – Every student at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School received a brand-new pair of shoes at an assembly on March 17, thanks to the generosity of SRP Federal Credit Union team members and the support of the SRP Foundation.

The initiative, led by Interim CEO Liz Ponder and team member Tonya Edge, brought together employees from various departments and branches to donate hundreds of shoes. Board Chair Sandra DeVoe Bland, the Board of Directors and the SRP Foundation also played a vital role in ensuring every child received a new pair.

This collaborative effort extended beyond SRP, as Oakwood-Windsor Elementary’s teachers, staff, and families worked together to provide shoe sizes and favorite colors for each student. By the end of the school day, every child left with a new pair of shoes and an extra sense of confidence.

Students at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School try out their new shoes, donated by SRP Federal Credit Union. — Oakwood-Windsor Elementary students try out their new sneakers. Every student at Oakwood-Windsor received a new pair of shoes from SRP's shoe drive.

“At Oakwood-Windsor Elementary, we embrace the fact that in order to grow a child’s academic brain, we must also nurture their physical, social, and emotional well-being,” said Davina Truitt, Principal of Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School. “It truly takes a village to accomplish this, and at OWES, we have the absolute best village around! We are extremely thankful for community partners like SRP Federal Credit Union, who recognize that the future of the world is in our classrooms and are helping to make a difference—one Wise Owl at a time.”

Kristen Mulvey, School Counselor at Oakwood-Windsor, echoed the sentiment: “Our students come from all walks of life, and they know better than anyone that it takes a village to help raise children to be successful. We are so grateful to SRP for helping our Wise Owls walk a little taller, feel more confident in their step, and know that the adults in their lives truly care about their well-being.”

Liz Ponder, Interim CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union, expressed appreciation for the generosity of SRP’s team members and the lasting impact of the initiative. “At SRP Federal Credit Union, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they received their brand-new shoes was truly heartwarming. Every child deserves to walk with confidence, and we are honored to support our local students in such a meaningful way. This shoe drive is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together to make a difference.”

The SRP Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by SRP Federal Credit Union in 2024, serves as a resource to nonprofit organizations and initiatives that support positive change with passion and commitment to the quality of life in our communities. The SRP Foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, housing, education and those initiatives that empower individuals to overcome barriers and pursue a better life.

For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

SRP and Augusta Technical College representatives join for a photo.

SRP employees Yvonne Meeks, Shana Reid, and Grace Helms join Augusta Technical College President Dr. Jermaine Whirl with the new SRP Affinity Debit Card for the Augusta Technical College Foundation.

Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union Strengthen Partnership to Support Education and Economic Growth

posted on

March 18, 2025

Augusta, GA – Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union continue to expand their partnership, reinforcing their shared commitment to education, financial wellness, and community development. Their latest collaboration introduces the Augusta Technical College Foundation Affinity Debit Card, offering alumni, students, and supporters a new way to give back to the college with every purchase.

The newly launched debit card, featuring Augusta Tech’s logo and signature forest green, mint, and white color palette, is part of SRP’s Affinity Debit Card Program—an initiative that donates a portion of every transaction to local schools. Augusta Technical College is the first higher education institution to participate in the program, which has already provided over $2 million in funding to public, charter, and private high schools across eight CSRA counties.

Funds raised through the Augusta Technical College Affinity Debit Card will directly support the Augusta Technical College Foundation, which provides scholarships, faculty development, and resources to enhance student success.

“The SRP debit card program is a wonderful opportunity for the college's 30,000+ alumni and friends to support the college in their daily lives,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, President of Augusta Technical College. “SRP has been a terrific partner by supporting Accelerate Augusta, financial literacy, and other programs at the college. With the debit cards, they are making it easy for everyone to contribute to Augusta Tech’s continuing success.”

The new debit card is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between Augusta Tech and SRP. In late 2024, the two institutions launched SRP Cougar$mart, a financial education program designed to equip students with essential money management skills. Additionally, SRP serves as the naming sponsor for Accelerate Augusta, a small business incubator and microenterprise center developed in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta.

By expanding its collaboration with Augusta Technical College, SRP Federal Credit Union continues to embody the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, ensuring that students, educators, and entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to thrive.

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SRP employees volunteering at The Master's Table soup kitchen in Downtown Augusta. — SRP team members stop for a photo after volunteering at The Master's Table in Augusta, GA. The soup kitchen, run by Golden Harvest Food Bank, is one of many locations where SRP volunteers helped the community in 2024.

SRP Federal Credit Union Invests Over $1 Million and Thousands of Volunteer Hours in Local Communities

posted on

February 27, 2025

NORTH AUGUSTA, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union reinforced its commitment to community support in 2024, contributing more than $1 million in donations and dedicating thousands of volunteer hours across their 10-county service area in Georgia and South Carolina.

“At SRP Federal Credit Union, we exist to make the people we serve and the communities we serve better,” said Eric Jenkins, CEO of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We take great pride in our role as a community partner. We are honored to support organizations that make an impact in the lives of our members and neighbors.”

In 2024, SRP team members actively participated in 484 community events and volunteer initiatives, collectively contributing 6,585 hours of service. Their efforts supported a wide range of causes, including hunger relief, education, financial wellness, and other critical community needs.

In addition to hands-on service, SRP’s financial contributions played a vital role in enhancing local communities. Donations helped fund education, healthcare, financial wellness programs, and charitable organizations. Several local high schools benefited from SRP’s Affinity Debit Card Program, which provides funding through member participation.

Guided by the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People," SRP remains dedicated to strengthening the communities it serves. As the organization looks ahead to 2025, it remains committed to making a lasting, positive impact.

Rated one of only twenty-two credit unions nationwide with a top rating by Weiss Financial Ratings, SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, SC, and provides financial services to more than 197,000 members. For more information about SRP Federal Credit Union’s community initiatives, visit www.srpfcu.org.

Ribbon-cutting of the SRP Federal Credit Union Boardroom at the J.A. Discovery Center

SRP Federal Credit Union Unveils Branded Boardroom at JA Discovery Center

posted on

February 11, 2025

Evans, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union and Junior Achievement (JA) Discovery Center of the CSRA celebrated the unveiling of the newly branded SRP Federal Credit Union Boardroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 31, 2025.

Located inside the JA Discovery Center on River Watch Parkway in Evans, GA, the boardroom will serve as a dedicated meeting space for JA and its corporate sponsors, further enhancing the center’s mission of financial literacy and career readiness for students.

The newly branded space features a striking wall dedicated to SRP’s High School Affinity Debit Card program, alongside a detailed timeline showcasing the credit union’s rich history.

SRP Federal Credit Union has been a proud founding partner of the JA Discovery Center of the CSRA since its opening in 2023.

The center provides hands-on financial education to students from the Columbia County School District and the Richmond County School System through interactive programs like JA Finance Park and JA BizTown. These simulations immerse students in a real-world economy, helping them develop essential skills in personal finance, entrepreneurship, and career planning.

Community Impact

Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development at SRP Federal Credit Union, emphasized SRP’s ongoing commitment to financial education and community support.

“Junior Achievement's mission to provide financial education to young people aligns perfectly with our dedication to equipping individuals of all ages with essential financial skills,” said Helms. “By working together, we are helping to empower the next generation with the knowledge they need to build strong, financially sustainable futures.”

SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to supporting Junior Achievement, with numerous SRP team members actively participating as past and present instructors in JA programs.

Laney Mize, Director of Development for Greater Augusta at Junior Achievement of Georgia said, “SRP has been a huge supporter of Junior Achievement through providing employee volunteers and funding.”

“SRP influences and educates students, but also adult visitors as well,” said Mize. “The SRP Boardroom is a place where JA Partners can hold meetings and also learn the impressive history and culture of what SRP Federal Credit Union has to offer to the CSRA.”

Tag: community

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates Over $66,000 to Local High Schools Through Affinity Debit Card Program

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Hosts Financial Education Event at USC Aiken

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates 47 Care Baskets for Aiken County Seniors

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Launches Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card

About SRP

USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union Unveil New Pacer $mart Classroom

SRP Foundation and SRP Team Members Provide New Shoes for Oakwood-Windsor Elementary Students

Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union Strengthen Partnership to Support Education and Economic Growth

SRP Federal Credit Union Invests Over $1 Million and Thousands of Volunteer Hours in Local Communities

SRP Federal Credit Union Unveils Branded Boardroom at JA Discovery Center

Community Impact

803-278-4851

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SRP Federal Credit Union Donates Over $66,000 to Local High Schools Through Affinity Debit Card Program

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Hosts Financial Education Event at USC Aiken

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Donates 47 Care Baskets for Aiken County Seniors

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union Launches Thomson High School Affinity Debit Card

About SRP

USCA and SRP Federal Credit Union Unveil New Pacer $mart Classroom

SRP Foundation and SRP Team Members Provide New Shoes for Oakwood-Windsor Elementary Students

Augusta Technical College and SRP Federal Credit Union Strengthen Partnership to Support Education and Economic Growth

SRP Federal Credit Union Invests Over $1 Million and Thousands of Volunteer Hours in Local Communities

SRP Federal Credit Union Unveils Branded Boardroom at JA Discovery Center

Community Impact

803-278-4851

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