The credit-union approach to providing financial services is based on a philosophy of “People Helping People,” a concept that dates back to the mid-1800s, when townspeople pooled their savings to provide loans to farmers hurt by a poor growing season.

That spirit of working for the collective good may explain why Benchmark Federal Credit Union is sponsoring part of the QVC West Chester Christmas Parade for the second year in a row, just months after assuming title sponsorship of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic.

“Much of the appeal of a credit union is that members are part owners of their financial institutions, with profits going back to members through higher savings dividends and lower loan rates,” said Rebecca Worthington, Benchmark’s Vice President of Marketing. “I think that spirit of supporting one another is why Benchmark feels so strongly about sponsoring community events like the West Chester Christmas Parade.”

Benchmark began supporting the beloved Toyland Division of the parade last year, a few months after opening its downtown West Chester branch just down the street from the parade in Cambridge Square shopping center.

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“The families we serve at Benchmark Federal Credit Union have returned to us generation after generation, so this is a nice way to show our gratitude to them, as well as our wider Chester County community,” said Worthington. “It’s exciting for Benchmark volunteers to be such a big part of the parade that we’ve been enjoying with our families for years.”

The Toyland Division is especially meaningful to Benchmark employees, who volunteer their time and personal donations to service projects related to families year-round. Every year, Benchmark provides $15,000 in college scholarships to local students. And in 59 public schools, Benchmark makes available a free, award-winning financial literacy curriculum. It also offers more than 20 sponsorships of local events every year, including a five-year commitment as title sponsor of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic.

Benchmark FCU has been headquartered in West Chester and providing financial products and services for more than 75 years.

“Be sure to look out for the Benchmark float, which will include a few surprises from Santa’s workshop,” said Worthington. “As the only federal credit union to exclusively serve Chester County, we are proud to support one of our community’s most-beloved holiday traditions.”

To celebrate the season, Benchmark is also offering Winter Wishes loan rates as low as 5.99 percent APR.

“At this time of year, it’s especially nice to know you have access to extra funds for holiday shopping, a winter getaway, or even that home improvement project you want to complete before family gatherings,” said Worthington.

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