SECU MD KICKS OFF SIXTH ANNUAL KINDNESS CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER

Credit union aims to inspire record-breaking, one million acts of kindness across Maryland in just one month

BALTIMORE, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This October, SECU, Maryland's largest credit union, is proud to launch its sixth annual SECU Kindness Campaign, returning with its most ambitious goal yet: one million acts of kindness. This statewide initiative is rooted in SECU's core philosophy of "people helping people" and continues to evolve as a powerful movement that fosters compassion, community, and goodwill throughout Maryland and beyond.

Launched during the uncertainty of fall 2020, the Kindness Campaign began with a simple mission: to uplift Marylanders through meaningful acts of kindness. Now five years strong, the campaign has transformed into a unified coalition of organizations, volunteers, and communities – with last year alone logging 590,579 acts of kindness – making a tangible difference across the state.

"At SECU, we see kindness as something simple yet powerful. The Kindness Campaign is not just about doing good, it is about showing up for each other in meaningful ways, where it's needed most," said Dave Sweiderk, President and CEO at SECU. "Our commitment to people helping people guides everything we do, and Kindness is a reflection of that ethos in action. By supporting local nonprofits, giving our time and resources, and working side by side with our communities, we are helping to build a stronger and more connected Maryland. We hope this campaign inspires everyone, from members and partners to neighbors across the state, to join us in spreading kindness and making a lasting impact."

A Collective Effort for a Kinder Maryland

The Kindness Campaign is led in partnership with the SECU MD Foundation, whose mission is to create stronger Maryland communities by empowering individuals to achieve personal and financial wellness. Together, SECU and the Foundation drive forward initiatives that support education initiatives, financial literacy and holistic wellness.

This year, the campaign expands its footprint across Maryland with support from long-standing and new partners alike. New 2025 campaign partners include:

• The Charitable Foundation of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors (GBBR)
• Maryland Association of Nonprofits
• Aberdeen Police Department
• Towson University
• University of Maryland
• Frostburg State University
• Baltimore Center Stage
• Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts (BOPA)

To amplify the importance of Kindness Month, SECU is pleased to share that for the third year in a row, the credit union has secured an official proclamation from Governor Wes Moore's office designating October as Kindness Month in Maryland. This recognition underscores SECU's unwavering commitment to fostering connection and community impact across the state.

Signature Events and Engagements
The 2025 campaign will kick off in September with a statewide food drive to stock campus food pantries at several partner institutions, including Morgan State University, Towson University and Frostburg State University. Through September 30, SECU is collecting nutritious, nonperishable food to deliver to college students in need across the state. One in three college students experiences food insecurity, and the "Kickoff to Kindness" Food Drive will help power the minds and futures of Maryland's college students. Donations can be made at any SECU financial center statewide or through the virtual Wish List link at secukindness.org.

SECU's annual Day of Kindness and flagship day of service returns on October 13, mobilizing hundreds of SECU volunteers to take part in nearly 30 events planned with 30 community partners across Maryland. Volunteers will restock, organize, and clean college food pantries, utilizing donations from September's Campus Essentials Drive, in addition to participating in the more than two dozen coordinated events across the state. This single day of service is expected to generate 350,000 acts of kindness alone.

Ongoing Cause-Based Engagements

• Maryland Nonprofits Annual Conference (October 9): SECU's event sponsorship will cover free professional headshots for all conference attendees, supporting career development for nonprofit professionals.
• Make-A-Wish Foundation Annual Golf Tournament (October 13): Continuing support for children with critical illnesses through direct funding and participation.
• World Food Day (October 16): SECU will support food insecurity initiatives statewide.
• National Arts & Humanities Month (all month long): SECU is a proud sponsor of Free Fall Baltimore, promoting access to the arts and cultural experiences.
• GBBR Realtor Fair (October 16): SECU MD Foundation and the Charitable Foundation of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors will host interactive kindness activities for the GBBR community.
• National Book Month (all month long): In partnership with Teach for America, SECU will be reading in classrooms and donating books to their respective libraries, as well as donating books to Parks and People.
• Financial Education Programs: SECU will partner in-classroom at schools in Baltimore City and Baltimore County to promote financial education for K-12 students, using interactive tools and real-world lessons to empower students and families.

One Million Acts, One Maryland

Through these events and initiatives, SECU and the SECU MD Foundation aim to inspire Marylanders to give, volunteer and act with empathy and compassion because every act of kindness counts, no matter how small. From donating food and reading to students, to paying it forward at a local café or volunteering at a nonprofit event, each action contributes to the Kindness campaign's ultimate, collective goal: building a more compassionate and connected Maryland.

To learn more, including ways you can participate or track campaign progress, visit secukindness.org.

About SECU (State Employees' Credit Union of Maryland)
SECU ("see-Q"), Maryland's largest state-chartered credit union, serves over 250,000 members via 23 Financial Centers across the state, including 21 Financial Centers, 1 Digital Center, and a Virtual Financial Center. As a member-owned, not-for-profit organization, SECU puts its members first. Membership is open to all of Maryland, with over 1,900 ways to join. You may be eligible through a family member, work, the college you attended, state employment, an organization you are affiliated with, or simply through a one-time donation to SECU's partner, the SECU MD Foundation. Headquartered in Linthicum, Md., SECU offers convenient access to over 50,000 free ATMs through the CO-OP network, as well as access to expert financial planners. With more than $5 billion in assets, SECU ranks among the top 60 credit unions nationwide based on total assets in the U.S. Insured by NCUA. For more information, visit www.secumd.org or follow SECU on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

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SOURCE State Employees’ Credit Union of Maryland (SECU)