Capitola, CA – January 22, 2025 - Bay Federal Credit Union raised an astounding $65,945.83 for local food banks across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties through a holiday giving campaign focused on member donations, local shopping, and employee support. 

The campaign included a $10,000 donation match, allowing Bay Federal to match member contributions to partnering food banks dollar-for-dollar. Additional funds were raised through a Black Friday weekend promotion, during which Bay Federal donated one dollar for every eligible local purchase made by credit card holders between November 28 and December 2, 2025. 

“It's truly remarkable what we can accomplish when our community comes together,” said Carrie Birkhofer, President and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union. “Through generosity, local support, and a commitment to our food banks, our members and employees helped ensure families in our community had access to essential resources during the holiday season.” 

The funds raised benefited Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, the Food Bank for Monterey County, and the Community FoodBank of San Benito. Bay Federal’s volunteer Community Support Committee also organized collections in Credit Union branches, ensuring direct local impact and member participation in each county. 

“We were deeply grateful for Team Bay Federal’s recent participation in our Holiday Food & Fund Drive,” said Michelle Bassi, Chief Development Officer at Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. “Bay Federal’s community-first approach and generous support will help thousands of local neighbors access nutritious food in 2026 —together, we are ensuring no one in our community goes hungry.” 

With food banks continuing to see increased demand, the campaign provided essential support to help address food insecurity for families throughout the Central Coast. 

About Bay Federal Credit Union 

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 96,000 members including 3,100 local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.8 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has a dedicated employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year. 

Contact: Mark Ely, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer  
Bay Federal Credit Union 
831.477.8608 
mely@bayfed.com