Suncoast Credit Union makes major donations during Pay It Forward Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Ryan Hughes

Public Relations Director

Cell: 813.417.7374

Email: ryan.hughes@suncoastcreditunion.com

Suncoast Credit Union makes major donations during Pay It Forward Day

Florida food banks are among recipients of organization’s generosity

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 8, 2026 – Giving back to the community is at the heart of Suncoast Credit Union's mission, and that commitment was on full display during the organization's annual Pay It Forward Day on Saturday, Oct. 3. More than 300 Suncoast employees and family members volunteered their time and talents at nonprofit organizations throughout Florida, supporting causes that strengthen local communities.

From Lehigh Acres to Melbourne, volunteers rolled up their sleeves to sort food, beautify facilities, assist nonprofit partners and make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve.

During a volunteer event at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in Melbourne, Suncoast announced a commitment to donate $100,000 annually for the next 10 years. The funds will support people and families in Brevard and Volusia counties.

This major commitment continues a charitable giving partnership originally established by Launch Credit Union, which recently merged with Suncoast Credit Union. Through the merger, Suncoast will continue that legacy of support for organizations across Florida’s Space Coast, ensuring continued investment in programs that address important community needs and improve quality of life for residents.

Volunteer events by the numbers

Feeding Tampa Bay | Tampa

• 50,918 pounds of food sorted and packed

Harry Chapin Food Bank | Fort Myers

• 10,599 pounds of food sorted and packed

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida | Melbourne

• 2,107 pounds of food sorted and packed

Photos of the events can be found HERE.

“Credit unions are owned by people and are focused on people, and volunteerism is an important part of that philosophy,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “Our team of nearly 3,000 employees is proud to serve communities across Florida and give back as a way of saying thank you to our members and the communities where they live and work.”

At the Harry Chapin Food Bank event, the organization unveiled the first in a series of newly co-branded trucks featuring both its refreshed brand identity and Suncoast Credit Union's support, creating a highly visible symbol of the partnership that will travel throughout Southwest Florida. The truck reveal highlights the importance of pairing immediate hunger relief with long-term investment in infrastructure. Suncoast's $500,000 contribution to the Harry Chapin Food Bank capital campaign will support development of the organization's new state-of-the-art facility, expanding its capacity to store, distribute and deliver food more efficiently across its five-county service area. Together, the enhanced fleet and new facility will help the food bank serve more neighbors in need while strengthening its ability to meet future demand.

“Suncoast Credit Union continues to show what is possible when strong community partnerships bring together volunteerism, philanthropy and a shared commitment to helping our neighbors,” said Jennifer Denike, chief development officer of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Suncoast’s Pay It Forward Day volunteers not only helped us put more than 10,000 pounds of nourishing food into our distribution system, but they also experienced firsthand the work that happens every day to address hunger across Southwest Florida. Suncoast’s investment will help us build the infrastructure we need to serve more neighbors today and prepare for the needs of tomorrow. We’re grateful for their partnership and the lasting impact they’re making in our community.”

Pay It Forward Day is part of Suncoast's annual Pay It Forward Month, a monthlong commitment to volunteerism rooted in the credit union's longstanding "People Helping People" philosophy. Volunteers serve throughout Suncoast's service areas, lending a hand to organizations that make a difference in their communities.

###

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in Florida, the seventh largest in the United States by membership and the 10th largest by assets, with more than $22 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast operates 98 full-service branches and serves more than 1.5 million members statewide. As a local, community-focused credit union, anyone who lives, works or attends school in Suncoast’s service area is eligible for membership. In August 2026, members of Launch Credit Union approved a merger with Suncoast. Launch will operate as Launch, a Branch of Suncoast Credit Union, during the transition period while the organizations work toward full operational integration by mid-2027. Guided by its "people helping people" philosophy, Suncoast is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves. Since 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $68 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education and emotional well-being of children. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.