SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU) on Jan. 14 donated $3,000 to the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) in an event held at the Syracuse Police Department. The presentation was arranged to follow and acknowledge National Law Enforcement Day on Jan. 9, the Summit said. Syracuse PAL partners with the Syracuse Police […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU) on Jan. 14 donated $3,000 to the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) in an event held at the Syracuse Police Department.
The presentation was arranged to follow and acknowledge National Law Enforcement Day on Jan. 9, the Summit said.
Syracuse PAL partners with the Syracuse Police Department, New York State Police, DeWitt Police Department, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s office, Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department, Onondaga County Probation Department, the Syracuse City School District, community volunteers, and interns to provide mentoring for Syracuse youth.
January is also National Mentoring month, “making this donation doubly meaningful,” the Summit noted.
Founded in July 2021, the Syracuse Police Athletic/Activities League (PAL) says it allows community youth to interact with law enforcement in a “constructive manner” to keep kids safe and “on a path to success, but their aspirations go well beyond that.” Involvement in programs like sports and other activities “provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and pride,” league organizers contend.
“The importance of Syracuse PAL can’t be overstated,” Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner said. “In times when we are seeing our victims and suspects of crime getting younger and younger, engaging our youth in a positive way is more important than ever. I’m grateful for the contributions made by The Summit Federal Credit Union and appreciate their commitment to the Syracuse community. This donation will help keep the program funded and allow us to continue the vital work of building relationships with our youth.”
Twanda Christensen, the Summit’s VP of marketing and community engagement, added, “Each time that The Summit donates to a program such as PAL, we create a partnership, and we look forward to engaging with PAL as it continues to grow and impact the Syracuse community.”
The Summit says it has deep roots in the Syracuse region. In 2010, the Syracuse Federal Credit Union (FCU) merged into The Summit. Syracuse FCU was comprised of many credit unions that had joined over the years, including the former Syracuse Police FCU, which was originally established in 1959.