Civic Credit Union and The Salvation Army Team Up to Keep Neighbors Warm This Winter
The Salvation Army of Wake County’s ability to serve neighbors in need is made possible through strong community partnerships. One of those partners is Civic Credit Union, whose support helped extend our reach this winter by providing essential cold-weather items to children and families across the community. In support of our annual WRAL Coats for the Children campaign, Civic Credit Union organized a Winter Coat Drive to provide children and adults with the warmth and protection they need during the cold winter months.
“At Civic, we’re always looking for ways to make a real difference in the communities we serve,” shared Katie Barrows, Impact Brand Ambassador at Civic Credit Union. “As the colder months approached, we wanted to make sure families—especially kids—had something as essential as a coat to get them through the winter.”
A Natural Partnership with The Salvation Army
To ensure the Coat Drive had the greatest possible impact, Civic Credit Union partnered with us to meet community need.
“The Salvation Army already knows where the need is and how to get coats directly into the hands of people who need them most,” Barrows said. “That local knowledge and trusted presence made this partnership incredibly meaningful.”
Through The Salvation Army’s network, donated coats are distributed directly within local communities, ensuring timely support for individuals and families facing cold-weather challenges.
Exceeding Expectations
Civic set an ambitious goal: collect 1,000 coats across its 11 branch locations. Thanks to overwhelming community support, that goal was not only met—it was exceeded. In total, more than 1,100 coats were collected, along with hats, scarves, socks, gloves, hoodies, and even onesies for babies.
Community at the Heart of Success
The success of the Coat Drive was driven by community involvement. Civic branches made it easy to participate, and creative events like Coats for Coffee & Cocoa encouraged neighbors to come together in a welcoming, festive environment.
“North Carolinians care deeply about their neighbors,” Barrows noted. “When given a simple way to help, they really step up.”
Support came not only from Civic members, but also from community partners and local government associations, all working together to make a difference.
Civic’s Values in Action
The Coat Drive also reflected Civic Credit Union’s core values, guided by a “triple bottom line” approach: people, planet, and prosperity.
- People: Providing warmth and comfort to families during winter.
- Prosperity: Supporting community well-being while serving members responsibly.
- Planet: Encouraging the reuse of coats, keeping usable items out of landfills and giving them a second life.
“This campaign really showed how our values show up in action,” Barrows said. “It was about caring for people, supporting prosperity, and protecting the planet—all at once.”
A Year-Round Commitment to Giving Back
The Winter Coat Drive is just one example of Civic Credit Union’s ongoing commitment to community impact. Throughout the year, Civic supports North Carolina communities through grants to local nonprofits, scholarships for members through the Civic Foundation, partnerships with local government organizations, and financial education programs.
Philanthropy, Barrows emphasized, is central to Civic’s identity.
“Our members are public servants who dedicate their careers to supporting their communities,” she said. “We believe it’s our responsibility to give back in meaningful ways. Supporting efforts like the Coat Drive helps strengthen the communities where our members live and work and that’s incredibly important to us.”
Looking Ahead Together
Civic Credit Union’s partnership with The Salvation Army demonstrates the power of collaboration, compassion, and community-driven action. It is a powerful reminder that when local partners come together, real change happens.