HCU Book Drive Delivers More Than 500 Books to Local Students

Image 1: HCU visits Memorial School in West Springfield and delivers books to a first-grade class. Image 2: HCU meets Agawam's Superintendent as they deliver books to Agawam Public Schools.

This spring, Holyoke Credit Union came together with employees, members, and community partners for one shared goal: helping put more books into the hands of local children.

Thanks to the generosity of our communities, HCU’s 2026 Children’s Book Drive collected 534 children’s books, valued at more than $4,100, to support students across Holyoke, West Springfield, and Agawam.

To make an even greater impact, HCU also donated $1,000 to purchase additional books from a local small business member in West Springfield. Supporting a local business while expanding the number of books donated reflected two of our core commitments: investing in our communities and helping our neighbors thrive.

The books have now made their way into local schools throughout the Pioneer Valley. Holyoke Public Schools, Agawam Public Schools, and West Springfield Public Schools partnered with HCU to help distribute the donations directly to students.

One of the highlights of the initiative was visiting Memorial School in West Springfield, where members of the HCU team spent time with a first-grade classroom as students selected books to take home. Seeing the excitement on their faces was a reminder that something as simple as a new book can inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of reading.

“From employee and member donations to partnerships with our local schools and small businesses, this book drive truly reflected the power of our community coming together to support children and literacy,” said Jay Wolohan, President & CEO of Holyoke Credit Union.

At Holyoke Credit Union, supporting our communities extends beyond banking. Whether through financial education, volunteerism, local partnerships, or community initiatives like our Children’s Book Drive, we’re proud to invest in the people and neighborhoods we serve.

Thank you to everyone who donated books, supported the drive, and helped make this year’s initiative a success.

Image 3: HCU meets with Holyoke's Interim Superintendent and team as they deliver books to Holyoke Public Schools.