Texell Credit Union Launches Texell Serves Foundation

The Texell Serves Foundation was formed to contribute to and participate in philanthropic efforts that benefit Central Texas. While the foundation is newly formed, its roots began in 2015 to provide opportunities for Texell Credit Union’s employees to take part in various worthy causes in the communities where they live, work, and play.

After ten years of contributing to philanthropic efforts as “Texell Serves,” the foundation was formed to further serve our communities through fundraising and donations. The credit union recently amended the bylaws to allow Texas residents and businesses who are existing members or who join the Texell Serves Foundation to become eligible for membership to Texell Credit Union.

“Texell Credit Union established The Texell Serves Foundation to affirm our commitment to making Central Texas a better place, focusing on charities that improve the financial education and the social well-being of our communities,” said Tony Hale, Chairman of the Texas Serves Foundation Board of Directors and President and CEO of Texell Credit Union. “The Foundation will allow us to increase our volunteer efforts and accomplish more for Central Texas residents and communities,” Hale continued.

Since its inception, Texell Serves has helped thousands of families at food pantries, including Brighter Days in Leander, The Caring Place in Georgetown, Shepherd’s Heart in Hewitt, Love of Christ in Temple, and Churches Touching Lives for Christ in Temple. At blood drives benefiting Carter BloodCare and Baylor Scott & White (BS&W) Blood Center, volunteers donated hundreds of units of blood.

“Being a part of a volunteer group means showing up not just with your time, but with your heart,” Kara Kelm said. “It’s about bringing joy, dignity, and human connection to those who need it most.”

Kara Kelm, Financial Service Coordinator at Texell’s 31st Street branch, helped organize Texell Serves when it first started with a small group discussing ideas on how to give back to the community. She is still on the committee that organizes events, and her favorite is Home Instead’s Be a Santa to a Senior, where employees and members purchase gifts for older adults during the holidays.

“Being a part of a volunteer group means showing up not just with your time, but with your heart,” Kelm said. “It’s about bringing joy, dignity, and human connection to those who need it most.”

Texell Serves also built beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit dedicated to providing beds for children in need. Other nonprofits that benefited from Texell Serves include Feed My Sheep, the Alzheimer’s Association, Texas Baptist Children’s Home, and Foster Love of Bell County.

Visit Texell.org/serves to learn more about Texell Credit Union and Texell Serves.

About Texell Credit Union:

Texell Credit Union has eight branches across Central Texas and offers a variety of financial products and services for consumers and businesses. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in December 2023, Texell serves more than 50,000 members. In 2024 the credit union opened its 45,000-square-foot headquarters in Temple with office space for more than 200 employees. Texell has been honored with the Excellence in Lending Award from CUNA Mutual Group, the Desjardins Adult Financial Literacy Award from the Texas Credit Union League, and 11th Best Credit Union to Work For in the nation by American Banker. Visit Texell.org for more information.

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