Albany, NY (January 22, 2010) — Through a joint effort between SEFCU and CBS 6, 757 viewers called in and more than $78,000 was raised to support earthquake victims in Haiti.

CBS 6 opened its phone lines on Thursday, January 21 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during its newscasts to take donations for a telethon sponsored by SEFCU. SEFCU, one of the largest credit unions in upstate New York, originally planned to match the first $25,000, but because of the enthusiasm of Capital Region residents, upped the match to $50,000 during the first hour of the telethon. All donations benefit the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Effort.

In addition to the telethon, SEFCU is collecting donations through February 16. Prior to the telethon, more than $5,300 was raised through SEFCU’s branch network bringing the grand total to date to over $88,000.

Contributions can be still made at any branch or by calling the Member Solutions Center at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328. Branches will accept cash as well as transfers for payment, while all debit and credit card donations must be made through the Member Solutions Center, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Established in 1934 as the credit union for state employees, today SEFCU is among the 70 largest credit unions in the U.S. with over 1,000 ways to join, more than $1.8 billion in assets, over 180,000 members, and 39 branches in the Capital Region, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Buffalo. In addition to standard deposit and loan products, SEFCU offers 24-hour banking by phone and Internet, electronic bill payment and eStatements, investment and insurance services, and a full-range of business banking services. Find us on Facebook® and follow us on Twitter®.