USF CU Employees Handcraft Adorable ‘Kitten Blankets’ for Humane Society

At USF Credit Union, “Better Banking for All” means showing up for our community - wherever there’s a need.

So, when we heard our friends at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay needed blankets for as many as 5,000 cats that’ll arrive during peak season, we didn’t hesitate. We stepped in.

Community Impact in Action

During our recent annual all-staff meeting, USF CU team members traded their laptops for fleece and began tying blankets destined for the Humane Society.

Regan Boessinger from the Humane Society shared just how meaningful those blankets are:

“It means everything, especially to the cats. All of the cats are here waiting for their forever homes. Our shelters are incredible, but that’s not the best place for an animal. Animals are supposed to be in a home - and blankets just give them that comfort, that home-like comfort that they might not have otherwise.”

In a shelter environment filled with new sounds, smells, and constant movement, a single blanket can become a source of stability.

“A lot of times they get attached to one blanket, which makes them feel more comfortable.” Regan says.

Purpose Beyond Better Banking

The Humane Society saved more than 10,000 animals last year. They provide free cat and dog food to the public twice a week. They fund medical care, housing, and rehabilitation entirely through community support.

“We are non-profit,” Regan said. “We could not do everything we do without the community’s support.”

That’s why supporting local organizations like the Humane Society isn’t a one-time effort for us. It’s part of who we are.

When we invest in partners who care for families, including the four-legged members, we strengthen the entire community.

Employee Culture That Shows Up

During our all-staff, there was energy in the room as our team worked side by side to create the blankets.

As USF CU project lead John Austin-Willis shares:

“There was a lot of excitement around it - that the credit union team was able to give back to the community together. They didn’t have to do it on an individual basis. They came together as a team to get the project done.”

We even had extra fabric left over, and the Humane Society is now organizing a teen volunteer drive to turn more than 500 additional pieces into more blankets. That ripple effect started with one simple yes.

Better Banking for All - In Real Life

In the credit union industry, we often say we are people helping people.

And in this case, we were people helping animals - but it comes full circle. Families across Tampa Bay will adopt these kittens and welcome them home.

As John put it:

“We’re just people helping people. In this sense, we’re people helping animals - but it ties back to the people because families are going to care for and nurture these little kittens that are going to get adopted.”

Better Banking for All means community partnership at USF CU - and showing up for the people and pets who make our community stronger.

Want to be part of a credit union that shows up? Join USF CU today!