Great Lakes Credit Union (GLCU) honored Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy by reading books virtually to students at West Elementary School in Zion, IL. The books focused on the importance of Dr. King’s beliefs, principles and his message of diversity, equity and inclusion.

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, 16 GLCU virtual reading volunteers – including GLCU President and CEO Steve Bugg, branch managers and other GLCU leaders – devoted time to reinforce with West Elementary students the importance of diversity, the civil rights movement and peaceful protest.

GLCU was thrilled to safely serve the Zion, IL community and read to young students despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The United Way of Lake County was gracious enough to provide the technology support required for the virtual readings and help make it a special day for the students. After the event, each of the 350 students also received a book to bring home and share with their families.

"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong believer in education, civil rights, equality and equity in our communities,” said Abraham Santiago, Senior Manager of Community and Financial Educational Programs at GLCU. “Our Martin Luther King Jr. read-in provided an innovative way to teach the history of one of the most influential civic leaders, and for GLCU employees to serve our community in his honor.”

Books that were read and donated included: “Let the Children March,” by Monica Clark-Robinson; “A Place to Land,” by Barry Wittenstein; “My Daddy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” by Martin Luther King III; and “Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King,” by Jean Marzollo.

GLCU is grateful for the opportunity to support West Elementary School students; for its partnership with the United Way of Lake County; and for the support GLCU has received from the community of Zion. The credit union is committed to financial empowerment for everyone, and giving back to its communities is one of the credit union’s core values.

About Great Lakes Credit Union
Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Northern Illinois, GLCU is committed to financial empowerment for you. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative with over $1 billion in assets, GLCU is proud to serve more than 80,000 members in the Chicagoland and surrounding areas. Learn more about GLCU’s accounts, educational initiatives and community development programs at glcu.org.


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