WESTBROOK – The collective fund-raising success of Maine’s credit unions through the 2004 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger resulted in nearly $70,000 in funds to be returned to credit unions to distribute to hunger organizations in their communities.

The campaign recently announced the top fund-raising credit unions from the campaign and reported that 36 credit unions received funds totaling nearly $70,000 to distribute to hunger organizations of their choice in their communities.

The Campaign for Ending Hunger raised a record-setting $215,743.70. With all administrative costs or expenses covered, 100 percent of the funds raised stay in Maine and go directly to helping to end hunger.

The top 25 campaign fund-raisers in two categories received grants and will distribute them to local food banks and hunger organizations throughout the year.

Area credit unions, the total raised and location of main office are as follows: Franklin-Somerset FCU, Farmington, $4,229.19; Otis FCU, Jay, $3,430.48; Rainbow FCU, Lewiston, $3,131; Ste. Croix Regional FCU, Lewiston, $2,500; Maine Family FCU, Lewiston, $2,251.

Highest per member contribution and location of main office: Lewiston Municipal FCU, Lewiston, $0.52; Franklin-Somerset FCU, Farmington, $0.42; Sabattus Regional CU, Sabattus, $0.40; Monmouth FCU, Monmouth, $0.36; Otis FCU, Jay, $0.35.

For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.