SRP Federal Credit Union representatives join Barnwell County School District board members and Superintendent Dr. Stapleton behind a ceremonial check for $71,095.30.

SRP Donates Over $70,000 to Barnwell County School District High Schools Through Affinity Debit Card Program

 

posted on

Barnwell, SC – Four schools in the Barnwell County School District received a combined total of over $70,000 from SRP Federal Credit Union’s 2025 Affinity Debit Card Program proceeds, reflecting a year of commitment to supporting local schools from families, faculty and staff, and community members.


SRP Federal Credit Union officials joined Barnwell County School District Board of Trustees members and Superintendent Dr. Crissie Stapleton in a check presentation ceremony on March 25. The school district received $71,095.30 in unrestricted funds for participating schools.


“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are deeply grateful for SRP’s continued investment in our students and schools,” said Becky Huggins, Board Chair for the Barnwell County School District. “Partnerships like this strengthen not only our classrooms, but our entire community.”


Launched in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program strengthens local high schools, as well as Augusta Technical College, with funding. Every time an SRP member makes a purchase using an Affinity Debit Card, SRP Federal Credit Union donates funds to the school designated on the card.


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


“At SRP Federal Credit Union, we believe in strengthening our communities through the power of education,” said Lonzo Smith, SRP Federal Credit Union Community Impact Manager. “What makes the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program special is the way it connects schools, families, and community members toward a common goal: uplifting students in our area. We are proud to support schools across our 10-county service area with Affinity funds.”


In the Barnwell County School District, SRP Federal Credit Union offers Affinity Debit Cards that benefit the Barnwell County Career Center, Barnwell High School, Blackville-Hilda High School, and Williston-Elko High School.


"We are deeply grateful for our continued partnership with SRP Federal Credit Union and the impact of the Affinity Debit Card Program,” said Dr. Stapleton. “This initiative reflects a shared commitment to our students, turning everyday transactions into meaningful investments that support programs, provide resources, and create opportunities across Barnwell County School District. The impact of SRP’s Affinity Debit Card Program not only provides critical support for student programs and resources, but also demonstrates the power of a community coming together to invest in the success of our children."

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
 
More than 2,000 SRP members fill the USCA Convocation Center for SRP Federal Credit Union's Annual Membership Meeting.

SRP Federal Credit Union’s Annual Membership Meeting Draws Over 2,000 Members

 

posted on

Graniteville, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union hosted its 66th Annual Membership Meeting at the USCA Convocation Center on Tuesday, March 31, with a record-breaking attendance of more than 2,000 members.


A total of 2,224 members attended the event, marking the fifth consecutive year of increasing attendance at SRP’s annual meetings and the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking participation.


During the meeting, SRP Board of Directors Chairman Sandra DeVoe Bland, Treasurer Larry Laughlin, and SRP CEO Liz Ponder presented reports on the credit union’s 2025 performance. Following the reports, members had an opportunity to participate in an open forum and ask questions of Chairman DeVoe Bland.


In 2025, SRP Federal Credit Union achieved several significant milestones. The credit union surpassed $2 billion in assets, and membership grew to more than 200,000 member-owners. Additionally, SRP employees contributed over 4,600 volunteer hours across the credit union’s 10-county field of membership.


“As we look ahead, our future will be defined by more than just growth. It will be defined by access, empathy, and impact because we are committed to a purpose to change lives,” said Ms. Ponder during her CEO report. “The future of SRP is strong, and together, we will continue building a credit union that serves, strengthens, and stands beside this community for generations to come.”

 

SRP Board Chairman Sandra DeVoe Bland speaks into a microphone.
SRP Board of Directors Chairman Sandra DeVoe Bland delivers remarks and answers open forum questions at SRP Federal Credit Union's 66th Annual Membership Meeting.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union is headquartered in North Augusta, South Carolina, and provides a full range of financial services to more than 200,000 members. SRP serves the banking needs of individuals, families, and businesses across 10 counties in Georgia and South Carolina. Recognized for its commitment to member service and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and one of America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina by Newsweek. For more information, visit www.srpfcu.org.

 
A collage of photos of SRP ambassadors volunteering with the Salvation Army for the Angel Tree program.

SRP Ambassadors Spread Joy and Hope Through Angel Tree Contributions

 

posted on

North Augusta, SC – Throughout the holiday season, SRP Federal Credit Union ambassadors gathered toys, clothing, and more for local children through the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, reflecting SRP’s generosity and dedication to uplifting the community.

 

SRP departments, branches, and individual ambassadors “adopted” a total of 22 angels across Salvation Army’s Augusta and Aiken service areas. These donors helped ensure every child experienced the magic of the holiday season.

 

Additionally, SRP ambassadors volunteered their time, energy, and organization skills to help the Salvation Army distribute gifts to hundreds of local children. These dedicated volunteers helped the organization prepare its collection hubs, sort packages, coordinate check-ins, and pack vehicles with gifts, spreading holiday cheer to local families across the CSRA.

 

Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves. Through annual participation in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and other charitable efforts, SRP strives to help local families enjoy a brighter future.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 200,000 members. Recognized for its excellence in business performance and community impact, SRP was recently named Best-In-State Credit Union in Georgia by Forbes and honored as 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.

 
The Shepeard Community Bloodmobile is parked outside SRP Federal Credit Union.

Up to 111 Local Lives Saved from SRP Community Blood Drive

 

posted on

North Augusta, SC – In a powerful show of community support, SRP Federal Credit Union collaborated with Shepeard Community Blood Center to host a blood drive at the SRP Administrative Campus on Oct. 7, resulting in enough donated pints to save up to 111 lives in the surrounding area.


A total of 44 donors visited the Shepeard Bloodmobile unit, successfully donating 37 pints: a significant increase from previous SRP blood drives. According to Shepeard Community Blood Center, a single pint of blood has the potential to save up to three lives.


Hosted quarterly, SRP’s community blood drives invite SRP employees and community members alike to give back in a meaningful way. The Bloodmobile welcomed 40 SRP team members and four non-employees, with at least six participants donating blood for the first time.


“The incredible turnout from our SRP ambassadors and our community at the blood drive speaks volumes for our team’s dedication to making a difference,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to stand alongside Shepeard Community Blood Center in supporting lifesaving donations for patients in our area.”

A man donates blood inside a mobile donation unit.
Tyler Whisnant, SRP Member Services Representative, donates inside the Shepeard Community Bloodmobile. He was among 40 SRP employees who participated in the Oct. 7 blood drive.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 199,000 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.

SRP representatives join Marah Curry, Augusta/Aiken Development Director for the American Heart Association, to present $45,622.63 to the nonprofit organization.

From left to right: Kevin Toole, SRP Chief Lending Officer; Ieshia Bell, SRP Marketing Specialist; Charmaine Finch, SRP Community Engagement Specialist; Marah Curry, American Heart Association Augusta/Aiken Development Director; Liz Ponder, SRP CEO; Douglass Morris, SRP Chief Technology Officer; and Greg Gibson, SRP Chief Financial Officer.

SRP Federal Credit Union Gives Over $45,000 to American Heart Association

posted on

North Augusta, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the American Heart Association (AHA) with a donation of over $45,000 — the result of an employee-led fundraising campaign that exceeded its projected goal by over $10,000.

 

SRP team members Charmaine Finch and Ieshia Bell, chair and co-chair of SRP’s AHA fundraiser, led the three-month campaign. The funds will help support the nonprofit organization’s initiatives, including heart and brain research, improvements in medical care, providing CPR training, and more.

 

Across SRP departments and branches, SRP team members contributed to the fundraiser through participating in AHA’s annual Heart Walk, basket raffles, food truck fundraisers, Friday jeans-days, and more. The campaign concluded with funds totaling $45,622.63.

 

“It is inspiring to see the result of our team members’ generosity, leadership, and commitment to uplifting our community,” said Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development of SRP Federal Credit Union. “This company-wide fundraising campaign for the American Heart Association truly exemplifies the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’ Good things are happening at SRP!”

 

Ieshia Bell and Charmaine Finch, chair and co-chair of SRP's American Heart Assocation fundraising campaign, hold a ceremonial check for over $45,000.
Ieshia Bell and Charmaine Finch hold the ceremonial check for over $45,000. The two SRP team members led the fundraising campaign, encouraging donations to the American Heart Association through basket raffles, food truck fundraisers, and more.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 197,000 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.

SRP representatives Shana Reid, Luis Alejandro, and Greg Gibson join Catherine Center, VP of Development for Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, and Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church Pastor Angel Maestre with a ceremonial check for $25,000 to help fund the Oasis Club Summer Camp.

SRP Federal Credit Union Helps Fund Summer Camp for Members of Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

posted on

Augusta, GA – SRP Federal Credit Union and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta celebrated the start of summer with a check presentation surrounded by staff and youth served at a South Augusta Club. SRP presented Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta with a check for $25,000 to support Summer Camp at the Oasis Club. 

 

“We are incredibly thankful for SRP’s continued support of our organization and for their relentless commitment to helping youth in our community,” said Kim Evans, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta.

 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta provides after school and summer programming to over 6,900 youth every year. Summer camp at the Oasis Club includes six weeks of programming based on a variety of themes and includes field trips, healthy meals and snacks, sports programming and outdoor activities, and academic support during the summer months.

 

“At SRP Federal Credit Union, we are committed to the credit union philosophy of 'People Helping People.' We strive to strengthen the communities we serve, and we are proud to help local students build a strong foundation for academic and financial success through programs like the Oasis Club Summer Camp," said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union.

 

Summer Camp is critical to mitigating learning loss, providing youth with a safe environment in which they can grow, and providing parents and guardians the care their families need when school is not in session.

 

The Oasis Club serves a predominantly Hispanic population in Augusta, and its location and partnership with Christian Center OasisVIP Multicultural Church is pivotal to its success in the community. Pastor Angel Maestre works closely with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta leadership to ensure the needs of the local community are being met and families have access to the wraparound services provided by the organization.

 

“God is good, and the Bible says that when two or more get together in agreement things like this could happened! I have seen that when BGCGA came to be partner with the vision that God had put in my heart, things started to move on the right direction, the direction to bless the kids in our community,” said Pastor Angel Maestre.

 

For more information or to request an interview, please contact Catherine Center at (706) 504-4071 ext. 221 or ccenter@bgcgreateraugusta.org.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The vision is to provide a world-class Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through our doors where all members will be on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. 

 

To accomplish this, Boys & Girls Clubs programs offer a variety of daily activities tailored to achieve intended outcomes, delivered using age appropriate, research-based curriculum. Program activities are centered on the following key components of youth development, including college and career readiness: 

  • Character & Leadership Development
  • The Arts
  • Life and Workforce Readiness
  • Health & Life Skills
  • Sports, Fitness, and Recreation
  • STEM

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta serves over 6,900 youth annually across the Greater Augusta Area in Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie, Hancock, and Washington Counties.

About SRP

SRP Federal Credit Union, headquartered in North Augusta, SC, provides financial services to over 197,000 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.

Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union present the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a check funding the organization's summer STEAM program.

SRP Funds STEAM Summer Program at Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center

posted on

Johnson, SC – Representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center with a donation of $11,500 on May 15 to benefit the organization’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy.

“SRP Federal Credit Union’s generous support of the NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy is more than a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our youth. Their commitment empowers us to spark curiosity, nurture innovation, and provide life-changing opportunities for students in under-resourced communities. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in helping us inspire the next generation of explorers, engineers, and leaders,” said Marcella Edwards, CEO of the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center.

The five-week summer program, scheduled to begin on June 9, will allow K-12 students to explore topics like NASA Earth and space science, technology, engineering, rocketry, robotics, and computer science through engaging, hands-on activities.

“We are thrilled to support the Edgefield County Youth Empowerment Center’s NASA Astro STEAM Summer Academy,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Giving back is at the heart of what we do at SRP Federal Credit Union, and we hope to help local students prepare for success in school and beyond.”

Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” SRP Federal Credit Union remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves. Other recent SRP initiatives to uplift local students include: donations for local high schools from the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, a shoe drive for an Aiken County elementary school, partnerships with Augusta Technical College and USC Aiken, and more.

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.

Aiken County Public School District Receives Over $290,000 from 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program Proceeds

posted on

Aiken, SC – At the May 13 Aiken County Board of Education meeting, representatives of SRP Federal Credit Union presented the Aiken County Public School District with over $290,000 in proceeds from the 2024 SRP Affinity Debit Card Program, benefiting nine local high schools.


The funds, totaling $290,019.25, reflect donations made by SRP Federal Credit Union in 2024 derived from SRP Affinity Debit Card usage. Each time a member uses an Affinity card, a donation is made to the corresponding school.


“SRP Federal Credit Union continues to be an extraordinary partner in public education. The success of the Affinity Debit Card Program has far exceeded our expectations, providing our high schools with the resources to fund specialized needs that enhance campus culture and support students, teachers, staff, and families,” said Dr. Corey Murphy, Superintendent of Aiken County Public Schools.


The nine Aiken County public high schools benefitting from the Affinity program include: the Aiken County Career Technology Center, Aiken High School, Aiken Scholars Academy, Midland Valley High School, North Augusta High School, Ridge Spring-Monetta High School, Silver Bluff High School, South Aiken High School, and Wagener-Salley High School.


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


Since its founding in 2018, the SRP Affinity Debit Card Program has provided more than $2 million for 46 schools across eight counties in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA). Participating schools include public, private, and charter high schools, as well as the Augusta Technical College Foundation.


“This milestone donation is a direct result of our members’ ongoing commitment to supporting local schools through everyday spending,” said Shana Reid, Chief Development Officer of SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”

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.

Employees from SRP Federal Credit Union and Augusta Data Storage receive and prepare old documents for the shred truck at the Spring 2025 SRP Shred Fest.

SRP Shred Fest Prepares Over 30,000 Pounds of Documents for Safe Disposal

posted on

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union provided a free drive-through shredding service at its administrative campus on the morning of Saturday, April 26, helping over 1,000 visitors dispose of old documents.

 

With three Augusta Data Storage shredding trucks at the event, SRP’s Spring 2025 Shred Fest resulted in 30,540 pounds of shredded documents ready for safe disposal.

 

Over 30 SRP team members volunteered at the event, ensuring Shred Fest ran smoothly and greeting every visitor with a friendly smile.

 

SRP Federal Credit Union offers free shredding services at its semi-annual Shred Fest to provide SRP members and community members with a way to dispose of sensitive documents securely.

 

“Our SRP team is dedicated to lending a helping hand in our community, and the high turnout at this spring’s Shred Fest was inspiring,” said Grace Helms, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Community Development at SRP Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to meet this need for our members.”

An SRP team member, wearing a safety vest, empties a garbage bag full of paper documents into a bin that reads "Paper Only." Cars in line for Shred Fest are visible in the background.
SRP team member Alicia Prasad adds a bag of old documents to a bin for shredding. Over 30 SRP team members from across branches and departments volunteered to ensure Shred Fest ran smoothly.

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.

The Shepeard Community Blood Center's Bloodmobile is parked outside SRP Federal Credit Union's administrative building for a community blood drive on April 22, 2025.

SRP Federal Credit Union Community Blood Drive Saves Up to 39 Lives

posted on

North Augusta, SC – SRP Federal Credit Union hosted the Shepeard Community Blood Center’s Bloodmobile for a community blood drive at its administrative campus on April 22, resulting in donations totaling 13 pints that can save up to 39 lives in the CSRA.


19 SRP team members and community members participated in the blood drive, generously setting aside time to donate blood for local patients through Shepeard’s mobile facility.

An SRP team member is donating blood inside the Shepeard Community Blood Center's Bloodmobile donation facility.
Loretta Jackson, SRP Commercial Construction Lending Specialist, donates at SRP's community blood drive. Jackson said her experience was pleasant and stress-free, and she enjoyed helping her local community.

Committed to the credit union philosophy of People Helping People, SRP Federal Credit Union hosts community blood drives quarterly. These drives allow SRP team members to contribute to an important cause and save CSRA lives.


“SRP Federal Credit Union is dedicated to uplifting the communities we serve, and we are incredibly proud of our team members who selflessly give blood to local patients in need,” said Liz Ponder, Interim CEO, SRP Federal Credit Union. “Good things are happening at SRP!”

An SRP team member donates blood inside the Bloodmobile.
Shaquana O'Neal, SRP Financial Specialist, donates blood inside the Shepeard Bloodmobile. O'Neal, who said she was motivated by the lives she could save, was among several SRP employees who generously gave blood on April 22.

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.