Food is the cornerstone of any community, and recently PEF and the Credit Union Network Leaders (CUNL) got together to make sure that our community members have the food they need. Many of our community’s displaced families have had to eat out more often than before, and many of these families missed the simple pleasure of just having some snacks waiting for them at home. CUNL heard about our needs as a community and reached out to help.
Hosted at Wescom Financial, over forty volunteers worked together to pack snack bags for families impacted by the Eaton Fire. Volunteers from both Nevada and the local community came out to show their support in creating these snack bags. Each bag was also packed with a small handwritten note with well wishes and words of encouragement. In total, 450 of these snack bags were made by the CUNL community to be presented to our families.
“The 2025 theme for the Local Credit Union Networks is ‘Better Together.’ In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire, we looked for meaningful ways to support those impacted—and came together to take action. Through the Wescom Foundation and in partnership with PEF, we created a special opportunity to work side by side in service. This experience not only strengthened our bonds but also underscored the power of unity at the heart of the credit union movement. We’re especially grateful to the Pasadena Educational Foundation for their ongoing, impactful work in the community and for helping make this collaboration possible..”
-Elise Schexnayder, Director of Professional Development at CUNL
These snack bags were later distributed at multiple PEF donation drives for supplies. A small pick-me-up to go along with the necessities of life like groceries and clothes can have a big impact.
“These bags were distributed during a new and like-new clothing giveaway for families affected by the Eaton Fire. Having some of our favorite snacks on hand provided an energy boost and a morale boost—a reminder of just how many people there are who want to help and support recovery efforts.”
-Shannon Mumolo, Director at PUSD
You can support our community efforts like these by donating to our response fund here: https://pasedfoundation.org/support/responsefund2025/
