Holiday Season FAQs
The holiday season is a special time at ELGA Credit Union, and we’re proud to support our members and local communities through meaningful giving and outreach. In these frequently asked questions, you will find information regarding upcoming events, how ELGA CU is giving back to the community this year, and tips to help you stay safe from scams during the holidays.
ELGA Credit Union Events and Community Involvement
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How does ELGA Credit Union support local families during the holiday season?
ELGA Credit Union is committed to lifting up the communities we serve—especially during the holidays. Each year, we support local families through our Stuff a Blue Goose event, which partners with trusted community organizations to provide gifts to children in need.
In addition to seasonal giving, members can support long-term community impact through the ELGA Credit Union Foundation for Impact Endowment Campaign, which helps fund meaningful programs that benefit local families year-round. Together, these efforts strengthen our tradition of giving back and helping neighbors when it matters most.
What is Stuff a Blue Goose and how does ELGA Credit Union participate?
Stuff a Blue Goose is a community holiday giving tradition centered around collecting new, unwrapped toys and financial donations for local children. The event involves filling a Michigan State Police patrol vehicle—nicknamed the “Blue Goose”—with gifts that go directly to families through the Salvation Army Toy Shoppe. ELGA CU supports this initiative by serving as a donation hub, promoting the event, and collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to help make the holiday season brighter for local children.
Where can I donate for Stuff a Blue Goose?
Does ELGA Credit Union accept monetary donations for holiday giving?
Yes. For those who prefer to give financially, ELGA Credit Union provides a secure online donation link. You can donate to the Stuff a Blue Goose Event from November 28th through December 5th.
If you missed the deadline to give to the Stuff a Blue Goose event but still want to support the community this holiday season, you can donate to the ELGA Credit Union Foundation for Impact Endowment Campaign.
When does ELGA Credit Union’s 2025 holiday donation period take place?
Holiday giving events run through late November and early December, with specific collection dates published each season. This year, Stuff a Blue Goose takes place from November 28th through December 5th.
If you missed the deadline to give to the Stuff a Blue Goose event but still want to support the community this holiday season, you can donate to the ELGA Credit Union Foundation for Impact Endowment Campaign.
Who benefits from ELGA Credit Union’s Stuff a Blue Goose Event?
All donations collected through ELGA Credit Union’s Stuff a Blue Goose Event support local children in the communities ELGA CU serves. Through partnerships with the Michigan State Police, local law enforcement agencies, and the Salvation Army, donations are distributed to households who rely on community support during the holiday season.
Why does ELGA Credit Union focus so heavily on community support during the holidays?
All donations collected through ELGA Credit Union’s Stuff a Blue Goose Event support local children in the communities ELGA CU serves. Through partnerships with the Michigan State Police, local law enforcement agencies, and the Salvation Army, donations are distributed to households who rely on community support during the holiday season.
Advise for Holiday Scams
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What holiday scams should I be aware of this year?
Scammers increase their activity during the holiday season, taking advantage of higher online shopping, shipping, and charitable giving. The most common scams include fake delivery notices, fraudulent online stores, imposters pretending to be friends or organizations, and charity scams designed to steal money or personal information.
What steps can I take to stay safe from holiday scams this year?
A few simple habits go a long way:
- Avoid clicking unexpected links or attachments
- Don’t trust display names—emails and numbers can be spoofed
- Never share personal info or one-time passcodes
- Be cautious of messages with urgent threats or unbelievable deals
- Keep your social media private
- Monitor accounts frequently for unusual activity
What should I do if I think I’ve been targeted by a scam?
If something feels suspicious—an email, text, phone call, purchase, donation request, or ATM interaction—contact ELGA Credit Union immediately at 810-715-3542. Reporting early allows ELGA to help protect your account and minimize potential fraud.
