FITCHBURG — Workers Credit Union has donated more than $31,000 to area organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Charitable giving is an important part of our culture at Workers and it is crucial that we continue to support our local organizations. There is more need than ever for us to stand together and support our most vulnerable members of our community” said Doug Petersen, president and CEO of Workers Credit Union, in a prepared statement. “Needs for services do not end because we are staying at home. I hope other businesses in the area who can donate will do so as well. We’re all in this together.”
The bulk of the donations were sent to the North Central Mass. Development Corp., for its newly founded recovery fund, Making Opportunity Count (formerly Montachusett Opportunity Council), and Our Father’s House, among several other organizations. These organizations support a variety of essential services from Meals on Wheels to food pantry services to the needs of small businesses.
In 2019, Workers gave more than $375,000 to 170 organizations throughout Worcester, Franklin and Middlesex counties where its 16 branches are located. In 2020, Workers has already donated more than $140,000 to area organizations and continues to accept applications for support of charitable organizations on its website www.wcu.com/community.
Workers Credit Union, headquartered in Fitchburg, has 16 branches including in Athol and Orange.
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. (NCMDC), the economic development arm of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, is accepting applications for the SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Applications are limited to small businesses, sole proprietorships, independent contractors, self-employed persons, and nonprofit organizations who are unable to apply through a local bank or credit union and located within our service area. The NCMDC is also limiting its PPP loans to under $50,000.
Businesses and entities with an established banking relationship or with requests larger than $50,000 are encouraged to contact their bank or credit union first to apply.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program offers favorable financing for small businesses to help keep their workforce employed during the pandemic. Portions of the loans are eligible to be forgiven by the SBA when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities.
For more information or to apply for a PPP loan through the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp., contact Bea Lee, economic and loan administrator, at blee@northcentralmass.com or Sandie Cataldo, economic development manager, at 978-353-7600 ext. 232 or via email at scataldo@northcentralmass.com.
For more information about emergency micro-loans or the other loan programs available, contact Sandie Cataldo, economic development manager, at 978-353-7600 ext. 232 or visit https://www.choosenorthcentral.com/lending/.