Pennsylvania credit union caps 75th anniversary with life-changing car giveaway
When Julie Hower of Gettysburg, Pa., submitted her entry for Members 1st Federal Credit Union’s car giveaway, she wrote that a new vehicle would put her family “on a path to health.” Her young son, Charlie, is being treated for brain cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., a nearly 2,000-mile round trip from their Pennsylvania home. Over the past four years, the family has made about 20 of those journeys, and their aging car could no longer make the drive safely.
On December 30, Hower learned she had been selected from more than 4,000 entries to receive a brand-new 2025 Honda HR-V Sport Edition. The presentation at the credit union’s Enola, Pa., headquarters capped a year-long celebration of the organization’s 75th anniversary and marked its largest giveaway ever.
“Reaching 75 years is really about celebrating the people and the stories that shaped this credit union into what it is today,” said Michael Wilson, president and CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union. “This car giveaway has been one of the most meaningful ways for us to say thank you and help someone take a step toward their financial goals.”
A contest designed to make a difference
The contest ran from November 19–25 and was open to any Pennsylvania resident 18 or older with a valid driver’s license. Entrants were asked to describe how a new car would change their life and where it would take them in 2026 and beyond. A committee of credit union associates read every submission, scoring and narrowing them down to a final group of five before selecting Hower.
“It was really difficult,” said Sara Firestone, vice president of community and public relations at Members 1st. “We heard from so many people with deeply personal stories—families facing illness, financial strain, and unexpected hardships. Our team approached every response with care, focusing on who could benefit the most.”
The stories ranged from everyday necessities to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Some entrants said they would give the car to a loved one. Others dreamed of a road trip with friends. But Hower’s entry stood out for its urgency: reliable transportation was not a convenience for her family. It was a medical necessity.
Safe travels to Memphis and beyond
Charlie has been a patient at St. Jude for four years. During one trip, road debris damaged the family’s vehicle, forcing them to spend an unexpected night in a hotel. For a family already managing the stress of a child’s cancer treatment, the breakdown underscored how critical dependable transportation had become.
“A new car will ensure safe and worry-free travels,” Hower wrote in her entry. “We hope to go somewhere to celebrate him finishing his trial with honor and bravery, even though he will never be cured.”
This year marks the final phase of Charlie’s treatment plan. At the December 30 event, he was already thinking ahead. He told credit union staff he wanted to drive to Florida to see Peppa Pig and to Cape Cod for a beach trip. When the team showed him the red SUV, his first question was practical: “Does it have good trunk space? We have to pack a lot of things for our family.”
A relationship that came full circle
The moment carried extra meaning because of Hower’s history with the credit union. When she was in her late teens, Members 1st approved her first auto loan without requiring a cosigner. That early act of trust kept her as a member for years.
“She said she was so grateful because Members 1st took a chance on her,” Firestone recalled. “How symbolic and fitting that it came back around, that she was now selected as the winner of the car giveaway. That really showcases the credit union difference and the longevity we have with our members.”
Hower attended the presentation with her husband, Jason, and their two sons. Associates across the Enola building were invited to watch the reveal, and many came down to witness the family driving off in their new vehicle. The red exterior, Hower noted, happens to be her favorite car color because it’s easier to spot on the road—a small detail that felt like one more sign everything had come together.
Celebrating 75 years of people helping people
Throughout 2025, the credit union focused on honoring the members, associates, and communities that have sustained its growth to 625,000 members and $8 billion in assets.
“(The car presentation) was one of those days where I left work thinking, ‘This is why we do what we do,’” Firestone said. “You always hear the good stories about how we’re helping people, but that day really was the top of all of them. It was very impactful for all of us.”