WESTBROOK – Maine’s credit unions celebrated their efforts toward “thawing” out hunger in Maine at the January Thaw to End Hunger Celebration Event on Jan. 28 at the Maine Credit Union League.

Credit unions were recognized for their success in raising the most funds ever for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. The total amount raised in 2007 was $366,575.80, a 15 percent increase over 2006.

All of it stays in Maine and is distributed back to food pantries and hunger organizations. The following credit unions located in the Lewiston/Auburn area participated: Central Maine FCU, Community CU, Great Falls Regional FCU, Lewiston Municipal FCU, Lisbon Community FCU, Maine Family FCU, Monmouth FCU, Otis FCU, Oxford FCU, Rainbow FCU and Sabattus Regional CU.

On hand to acknowledge the accomplishment and present the distribution of funds was Maine’s First Lady, Karen Baldacci.

She assisted in the distribution of checks to representatives from credit unions from across the state. The checks will be distributed by each credit union to their local area food pantries and hunger organizations.

“The 2007 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger not only had a record setting year but it formed new relationships with food pantries across the state and, because of the incredible success of this year’s campaign, all credit unions that participated will receive at least 92 percent of the funds it raised back to distribute to hunger organizations in their local communities. The remaining funds are contributed to statewide initiatives including the food mobile, the Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund, and other important causes,” said Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League.

For more information, visit www.mainecul.org.