WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The credit union disaster relief effort seems to be growing. Here is just a sampling of how credit unions across the country are helping out: Empire Corporate Federal Credit Union is doing its part to help credit unions in New York rebuild by creating a special disaster assistance loan. ECFCU has made $2 million available at a special 1% interest rate for credit unions in the lower Manhattan and greater Metropolitan District affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11. The initial advance period is available to 15 credit unions in lower Manhattan only and is effective immediately until October 5, 2001. The open advance period is available from October 9 to October 31 to all credit unions in the greater Metropolitan District on a first-come, first-served basis. The New York Credit Union Foundation will reimburse the 1% interest to provide credit unions with a "no cost" funding source during this time of national tragedy. To take advantage of this opportunity, affected credit unions should contact Empire's Credit department at 800-253-0053, Option 9. Louisiana Credit Union League has donated $2,000 to the Disaster Relief effort. MidFirst Credit Union is accepting donations to the September 11th Fund. Desert Schools FCU has contributed $10,000 to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and is accepting donations at all of its branches. The Golden 1 CU has contributed $20,000 to help the families of NY firefighters during a ceremony held at the California Peace Officers Memorial near the State Capitol in Sacramento. Kansas Credit Union Association has planted a redbud tree to commemorate the thousands of victims who suffered from the terrorist attack. Chosen because it has definite seasonal changes, the redbud tree will both honor the victims and the renewal of life annually. In addition, the KCUA Capital Chapter has raised over $10,000 in just one week to benefit the New York Credit Union Foundation. The Fresno, California-based Educational Employees Credit Union's operations center has recently donated $1,085.58 to the American Red Cross to help the disaster relief efforts in New York and Washington. The credit union then matched the employee contribution, bringing the total to $2,171.16. In addition, EECU has opened special accounts organized by California State Assemblywoman Sarah Reyes to accept donations for the Pennies for Peace and Fresno Unified School District Relief Fund collection drives. The Indiana Credit Union League's newly established CUnited Emergency Relief Campaign has extended its support to include CURA, the "Credit Unions Rebuild America" fund, which is managed by CUNA and the National Credit Union Foundation. The CURA fund has designated the Red Cross and the United Way's collaborative September 11 Fund as its primary beneficiaries. In Albany, N.Y., Capital District credit unions will hold an American Red Cross blood drive on International Credit Union Day from 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Empire Corporate FCU. Anyone who signs up to donate blood will be eligible to win an International Credit Union Day t-shirt. Eastman Credit Union in Kingsport, Tenn. has presented a check in the amount of $6,700 to the American Red Cross to assist those in need. Bay Federal Credit Union has set up a special Red Cross fund and raised more than $18,000 less than two weeks. Bay Federal will continue to collect money for the American Red Cross until further notice. Flint, Michigan-based Security Federal Credit Union took the opportunity to honor America's true heroes during its "Bring Your Son to Work Day" by featuring as guest speakers local firemen and military personnel who emphasized the value of community service/ involvement to the kids. Space Age Federal Credit Union has sponsored a Glory Days event to both celebrate the red, white and blue and to remember those lost. Robins Federal Credit Union has made a $25,000 corporate donation to the Georgia Credit Union Foundation, September 11 Disaster Fund to benefit The American Red Cross. The contribution will be forwarded to those funds established for the urgent needs of victims and their families affected by the September 11th attacks. Founders Federal Credit Union has donated $25,000 to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Southpointe Credit Union employees and members are helping to raise money for victims of the September 11 attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. Southpointe is asking for "A Buck for a Buck." Those who donate a dollar to the Disaster Victims Fund have their names written on a facsimile of a dollar bill and displayed on the wall of the credit union. All funds collected will be forwarded to the American Red Cross to help respond to the September 11th tragedies. In only five hours more than $400 was raised. The credit union employees are also wearing red, white and blue clothing and displaying American flags. Fort Belvoir Credit Union has turned a remodeling project into an opportunity to heal by converting one of its temporary walls into a memory wall where members are encouraged to write their thoughts, feelings and words of encouragement for military personnel. Credit Union Managers Association of Southeast Texas has donated $2,000 to the Texas Credit Union Foundation USA Recovery Fund to help credit unions, staff and volunteers impacted by the terrorist attacks. The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation has established the following three immediate fundraising goals: the Disaster Relief Fund to assist the NYCUF; the Teaming Up for America Fund for relief efforts to individuals involved in the attack; and the Fallen FDNY Fund to benefit the families of fallen firefighters and rescue personnel in NY City.