Charter Oak Announces $15,000 Donation Match to Support Families Displaced by Apartment Fire

In response to a devastating fire that displaced several families from their homes, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is taking action to support recovery efforts by committing to match community donations to Groton Human Services, up to $15,000.

The fire, which destroyed an apartment building and left multiple families without housing, has created an urgent need for both immediate relief and long-term recovery support. “Supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Craig Knell, President and CEO of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. “In moments like this, it’s important that we come together to help our neighbors rebuild and move forward.”

Community members are encouraged to participate by making donations to Groton Human Services, knowing their impact will be doubled through the Credit Union’s matching program. Per Groton Human Services, gift card donations (to stores such as Walmart, Target, all local grocery stores, Visa gift cards, and food delivery gift cards – Doordash, Grub Hub, etc.) in increments of $25/50/100 are most useful.

Cash or checks can be mailed or dropped off. Checks should be made out to

• Groton Human Services - with a note/memo that says "The Ledges Fire"

• Address: Groton Human Services, 2 Fort Hill Road, Groton, CT, 06340

• For additional information on donations, please call 860-441-6760 or email humanser@groton_ct_gov.

Support for Impacted Members

In addition to its donation match, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is also offering direct support to any members affected by the fire. Impacted members are encouraged to reach out to discuss individualized assistance options, including:

• Waive early withdrawal penalties on Share Certificates

• Waive loan late fees and ODP fees

• Defer up to 4 payments on Consumer loans

• Waive $20 fee for Skip-a-pay

• Community Assistance Loan

o Unsecured loans up to $5,000

5% APR

o No payment for 90 days, then balance is termed out over 60 months

o One Community Assistance Loan per member

This effort is designed to help families manage immediate financial pressures while they focus on 

rebuilding their lives.

Helpful Resources:

• Always Home, Inc

• United Way of Southeastern CT

• Groton Community Meals

• 211 Connecticut

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves and providing meaningful support when it’s needed most.

Charter Oak Federal Credit Union is like a bank, just better! We've been proudly serving eastern Connecticut since 1939 and we offer great checking, deposit, lending, insurance, and investment products. And because we’re a credit union, we’re owned by our members, not by shareholders. So we can offer lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposits. It’s easy to become a Charter Oak member: simply live, work, worship, learn, or volunteer in New London or Windham counties. So join today and see why Members Bank Better at Charter Oak.