Prior Lake, Minnesota – The results are in and South Metro Federal Credit Union raised $4,585 in their annual Chain of Hearts campaign fundraiser to benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

The fundraiser, which encourages members, local residents, and area businesses to contribute by purchasing paper hearts and links, was open to the public. During the campaign, which runs in January and February each year, the personalized chains and links are added to the chain which hangs in the lobby of the credit union.

In previous years more than 350 people participated in the fundraiser at South Metro Federal Credit Union with an average donation of $6 each.

“It’s very rewarding to know the continued grassroots fundraising efforts of our members and employees benefit Minnesota children,” said Don Crofut, President of the South Metro Federal Credit Union. “We are delighted our members support local charities like Gillette.”

The South Metro Credit Union’s Chain of Hearts is part of a statewide fundraising effort. Through Credit Union for Kids, a sponsor program of the Children’s Miracle Network, Minnesota credit unions raised more than $41,000 for Gillette last year.

Credit Union for Kids is a collaboration of credit unions, chapters, leagues, and business partners engaged in fundraising activities to benefit Children’s Miracle Network-affiliate hospitals. All money raised through Minnesota’s Credit Union for Kids program supports Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, helping kids with disabilities and chronic conditions. Since 1897, Gillette has been on the forefront of medical treatment, education, and research for children with disabilities. Gillette’s mission is to help patients realize the greatest possible independence, well-being, and enjoyment in life.

About South Metro

South Metro Federal Credit Union is a chartered, federal credit union, providing a wide range of financial products and services for everyone living or working in Scott County, Minnesota, and/or members and their members of the North Country Development Fund. All deposits up to $250,000 per account are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the U.S. government. South Metro maintains supplemental share insurance to cover up to an additional $150,000 per account through Excess Share Insurance, Inc. South Metro was sponsored by a capital contribution from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, a federally recognized Indian tribe located in Prior Lake, Minnesota, and leases space in a building owned by the SMSC which is LEED certified.