Congratulations to Brian Johnson, Right Guard for Sumter High School Gamecocks ; Calvin Wofford, Running Back for Crestwood Knights Football; Landon Duke, Punter for Laurence Manning Academy; and Sanjay Hester, Linebacker for Thomas Sumter Academy. These athletes had some big moments, game-changing plays, and hard work on the field which earned them a spot among last week's best. Way to go!

We’re excited to highlight this week’s SAFE Players of the Week, proudly brought to you by the Sumter Touchdown Club and Farmers Telephone Cooperative! This time, we decided to have some fun and turn the cameras on our athletes. Ashley Reddick (one of SAFE's branch managers) caught up with Landon Duke from Laurence Manning Academy and Brian Johnson from Sumter High for a quick chat. Check out what they had to say!

Happy International Credit Union Day! This special day celebrates community and the incredible members like YOU who help credit unions like SAFE thrive. Stop by any SAFE branch today and enjoy some sweet treats as our way of saying thank you for being the heart of who we are. Also, don't forget to enter our ICU Day sweepstakes now through Monday, October 19, for a chance to win an Apple Watch Series 12! safefed.org/ICUDAY

Ever wonder what happens at a SAFE shred event? Take a look! At our recent event, we served over 200 vehicles, securely shredded 8,200 pounds of documents, and collected $330 plus tons of snacks for Willow Ridge Church’s Backpack Program! Best of all, it was FREE for members and nonmembers! Stay tuned for our next drive-thru shred event near you!

All SAFE branches and call centers will be closed on Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day. We encourage you to use SAFE's Online and Mobile Banking services to access your account during that time.

Big ideas were on full display at the eSTEAM Sumter Festival. SAFE was proud to be the exclusive presenting sponsor of the very first Y.E.P. (Young Entrepreneur Pavilion), giving students in Kindergarten through 12th grade a space to show off their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. From technology and inventions to artwork and student businesses, these young entrepreneurs came ready to impress. We loved seeing the next generation dream big and bring their ideas to life. Congratulations to everyone on their impressive ideas!

Congratulations to this week’s SAFE Players of the Week, presented by the Sumter Touchdown Club through Farmers Telephone Cooperative: Yachin Gamble, Linebacker for Crestwood; Marek Yates, Quarterback for Crestwood; Blandyn Miller, Left/Right Guard for Laurence Manning; and Keith Rogers, Kickoff Returner for Scott's Branch. This week’s Sumter Touchdown Club featured speaker, Maurice Drayton of The Citadel who reminded student-athletes that their biggest opponent is often “the man in the mirror” and the goal is to be better today than you were yesterday. His message was simple: take life one day, one practice, one play and one decision at a time because when the ball comes your way, you have to be ready.

Nearly 40 attendees joined us for SAFE’s recent Home Equity Seminar to learn how they can make the most of the equity in their homes! SAFE's Mortgage Loan Originator Katie Newman led the seminar, sharing valuable information and answering questions about putting home equity to work. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we continue helping our members make informed financial decisions and reach their goals! *SAFE is an Equal Housing Lender.

Together, we helped over 200 vehicles safely shred documents, collecting more than 8,000 pounds of paper! The event also raised over $500 for Food for the Soul, along with much-needed household cleaning supplies and pantry items to support their mission. It was another wonderful example of Family Helping Family, and we're so grateful for our community coming together!

Nearly 200 active-duty service members enjoyed a special night of Gamecock football last weekend as SAFE sponsored USC’s annual Seats for Soldiers initiative. SAFE Federal Credit Union and generous Gamecock donors covered the cost of the tickets, giving the service members a prime view of the USC – Towson game and the school’s Salute the Troops ceremonies. SAFE President and CEO Michael Baker also joined Vietnam-era veterans on the field for a special recognition. We’re proud to honor the brave men and women who serve our country and communities!

Today, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the courage of those who answered the call in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Twenty-five years later, we remain united in remembrance, gratitude, and the promise to never forget.

We’re proud to celebrate Hannah Bordeaux on being named one of Sumter’s Top 10 Under 40! This recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and a strong dedication to the Sumter community. Hannah embodies each of those qualities, and we’re incredibly proud to have her as part of the SAFE Family!

Another week, another standout group of athletes! Congratulations to this week’s SAFE Players of the Week, presented by the Sumter Touchdown Club through Farmers Telephone Cooperative! CJ Robinson of Manning (Kickoff Returner), Quintin Jackson of Scott’s Branch (Running Back), Ladarius Thompson of Crestwood (Right Guard), and Sinatra Rembert of Lee Central (Defensive Back). These athletes made their presence known on the field and earned their spot among this week’s best. Way to go!

Bring your sensitive documents to SHRED DAY at the Camden Farmers Market on Tuesday, September 8! Head to 903 Market Street from 11AM – 2PM for secure shredding by Shred360. We'll be collecting cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, paper towels and monetary donations for Food for the Soul. All are welcome, rain or shine!

All SAFE branches and call centers will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. We encourage you to use SAFE's Online and Mobile Banking services to access your account during that time.

Congratulations to SAFE’s Players of the Week, presented by Farmers Telephone Cooperative and the Sumter Touchdown Club! This week’s athletes are: Calvin Wofford from Crestwood at Running Back, Jamodicus Smith from Lakewood at Cornerback, Shawn Wrigley from Thomas Sumter at Offensive Tackle, and Carter Berendzen from Lee Academy at Punter. These student athletes delivered standout performances on the field and earned their place among this week’s best. Keep working hard, making big plays, and making your schools and communities proud!

SAFE’s Back-to-School Supply Drive brought our community together to help local classrooms start the year strong!

School is back in session, and we’re helping local classrooms kick off the year ready to learn! Through SAFE’s annual Back-to-School Supply Drive, each of our branches partnered with a local Title I elementary school to provide much-needed supplies for students and teachers across the Midlands. A big thank you to our members and employees who donated and helped make this possible. When our community comes together, we can make a real difference for local families. That’s Family Helping Family!

Our SAFE Family is always learning so we can better serve YOU! Our full-time Financial Wellness Counselor, Shretta Godbolt, recently hosted a “Financial Survivors” seminar, educating our team learn how to Plan, Prepare, Protect, and Prosper. By equipping our team with valuable financial knowledge, we’re making sure everyone is ready to assist with your own financial journey!