As students and families prepare for a new school year, Austin Telco Federal Credit Union (ATFCU) is helping set Central Texans up for success both inside and outside the classroom. As a proud sponsor of the CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway, ATFCU is committed to supporting local students while also teaching families the importance of financial literacy.
Pamela Cotton, vice president of member services at Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share how ATFCU gives back to the community, why financial literacy matters at every age and why the credit union proudly supports this year’s Backpack Giveaway.
Pamela Cotton, vice president of member services at Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, joined Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott on We Are Austin to share how ATFCU gives back to the community, why financial literacy matters at every age and why the credit union proudly supports this year’s Backpack Giveaway.
Cotton also shared that while the organization has a refreshed look, its mission remains the same.
“Those who know us know us as Austin Telco Federal Credit Union. We’re now ATFCU. Same business, same great service. We just shortened our name a little bit because we’re more than Austin. We serve many of the surrounding communities, so we want to reflect that as well. We’ve been around for 85 years now… same history, but we’re just providing great and better member service,” Cotton said.
One of ATFCU’s biggest priorities is helping people build strong financial habits through education.
“Financial literacy is important. You have to have it to make those informed decisions,” Cotton said.
As families prepare for back-to-school season, Cotton said supporting students is a natural extension of ATFCU’s mission.
She encouraged parents to begin teaching financial concepts early by including children in everyday conversations about money.
“When you go to the grocery store, show your kids how you make those decisions on why you’re buying this product instead of that product because they’re thinking about numbers and all those things are important. You can really start at an early age, but if you’re getting your first checking account or if you’re getting ready for retirement, it’s never too late either. I’d say never too early, but never too late,” Cotton said.
As families prepare for back-to-school season, Cotton said supporting students is a natural extension of ATFCU’s mission.
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“We love supporting the communities and giving back. Helping kids get ready for school is great because some people are in need and they don’t have the resources to get those things. It’s important for us to give back to those communities who absolutely need it,” Cotton said.
That same commitment is why ATFCU continues to support the annual Backpack Giveaway each year.
“Our motto is ‘people helping people.’ As a credit union, we just love to support and do the things where the community needs it. That’s where we want to be,” Cotton said.
In addition to supporting this weekend’s event, ATFCU is hosting its own Backpack and School Supply Giveaway on Friday, Aug. 1, at its Lockhart branch from 9 a.m. to noon. Families can enjoy free backpacks and school supply kits while supplies last, along with snow cones, face painting and raffle prizes, including H-E-B gift cards.
“Our members are supporting that as well. They’re bringing in school supplies to help us in that endeavor. We just want to continue to ask them to give and support that drive so we can continue giving back to the kids,” Cotton said.
The CBS Austin and Telemundo Austin Backpack Giveaway takes place Saturday at Circuit of The Americas. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. The drive-thru line begins moving at 7:30 a.m.
For more information about ATFCU, its financial education resources and community events, visit atfcu.org.
For more information about ATFCU, its financial education resources and community events, visit atfcu.org.