DuPage Credit Union Delivers Summer Fun With $3,000 Donation

George Caraballo, DuPage Credit Union’s Associate Director of Branches & Community Engagement, and Amber Quirk, DuPage ROE Regional Superintendent, prepare to hand out summer care packages to at-risk students.

DuPage Credit Union and the DuPage Regional Office of Education (ROE) recently teamed up to help over 50 students at the Center for Student Success in Aurora kick off summer with fun, educational, and empowering activities.

Thanks to a $3,000 donation from the Credit Union, these students had the unique opportunity to design their own summer care packages. Working within a budget, each student selected items that would keep them active and inspired over the break, such as soccer balls, books, art supplies, fishing gear, and musical instruments.

“The idea was to encourage students to choose active, positive things,” said Amber Quirk, DuPage ROE Regional Superintendent. “It was exciting to see them pick out items that will keep them engaged and making good choices during summer vacation.”

More Than Just a Donation

Care packages were handed out during a cookout at the school, followed by impromptu games of soccer and basketball, while others enjoyed a beautiful May afternoon in the adjacent park with their friends, parents, and teachers.

“This is about so much more than just a donation,” said George Caraballo, Associate Director of Branches and Community Engagement. “It’s about showing these students that their community cares about them and supports their growth.

“When we partner with organizations like the DuPage ROE, we can make a real, tangible difference. Seeing the kids out here enjoying themselves and looking forward to summer is exactly why we do this.”