On April 25, at the corner of Main and Bergen streets in Hackensack, a three-alarm blaze ripped through a building on the city’s business corridor. The building included a retail facility at ground level and apartments above.

After learning of the residents’ displacement, Marlon Rivas, a call center representative at Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union, decided to take action. Rivas is a member of the Center of Worship and Resurrection Ebenezer located on Hudson Street in Hackensack. His youth group often gets involved in community service in the area. He reached out to his youth group and his employer to see if they could help the residents of the burned building.

“At the Credit Union we always encourage supporting our community,” said Glenn Guinto, CEO of Greater Alliance. “Marlon and Veronica took it one step further and took action to get all of us involved.”

Veronica Ramirez, human resources manager at Greater Alliance, helped Rivas rally credit union employees. Employees donated money as well as bags of clothing, beauty products and canned goods. The money raised was matched by the credit union and distributed to the families in gift cards.

“We try to instill in our staff that we are family,” said Ramirez. “We are different.” Greater Alliance contributes to the community throughout the year by participating in charity walks, food donations and “adopting” needy families during the holidays.

When Rivas and Ramirez delivered their donations, they were impressed by what the community had done to help the 34 displaced residents. “I was impressed by what God was doing,” said Rivas.

In a letter thanking Marlon and Veronica, Councilman David Sims wrote, “I am humbled and honored to add your name to the list of organizations who have made heartwarming contributions to the families in need.”

Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members in Bergen and Passaic counties within New Jersey. As a financial cooperative, Greater Alliance offers the best-in-market rates, world-class service, and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.

Greater Alliance maintains three branches in Paramus, Hackensack and Paterson with over 5,000 Shared Branch locations and 30,000 Surcharge Free ATMs throughout the country. For more information regarding Greater Alliance Federal Credit Union please visit www.greateralliance.org or call 888-554-2328.