OTIS Federal Credit Union’s “Totes for Teachers” Continues to Grow
For Immediate Release
September 16, 2026
For the fourth year in a row, OTIS Federal Credit Union’s signature “Totes for Teachers” program was a tremendous success, providing more than 225 totes filled with school supplies to educators across nine Maine counties.
Most of the totes were distributed during OTIS FCU’s in-branch event, where school staff employed within the Credit Union’s field of membership stopped by to pick up their tote. Educators were also treated to a few extra surprises, including fresh apples generously donated by Jay Hannaford.
OTIS team members then hit the road to deliver the remaining totes to nearly a dozen schools throughout the region, traveling from Farmington to Fairfield and Lewiston to Norway. Educators were thrilled to receive the donations, and OTIS staff were equally excited to personally deliver the supplies and show their support for local schools.
Several local businesses and community members also joined the effort by hosting donation boxes or contributing much-needed items. For the third consecutive year, Spruce Mountain Pharmacy in Jay served as a donation location and generously contributed hundreds of paper towels, along with other essential school supplies.
With an expanded outreach area, increased contributions from the Credit Union, and growing community involvement, “Totes for Teachers” continues to grow year after year.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see how this initiative has grown and the positive impact it has on educators in our communities,” shared OTIS loan officer, Jasmine Jackman. “Our OTIS team looks forward to coming together each year to prepare and distribute the totes, and we know the teachers look forward to receiving them, too. One teacher even described the experience as ‘Teacher Christmas,’ which really captures how meaningful these supplies are to educators. Seeing their appreciation and knowing that we are helping support local teachers and schools makes this initiative especially rewarding for all of us at OTIS.”
OTIS Federal Credit Union would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the following community partners for helping make “Totes for Teachers” possible by hosting donation boxes and/or generously donating supplies toward this cause:
Auburn
– Roy’s All Steak Burgers (Washington St)
Farmington/Wilton
– Farmington Public Library
– Food City – Farmington
– Food City – Wilton
Jay/Livermore Falls
– Events By Dina
– Food City – Livermore Falls
– Jay-Niles Memorial Library
– Jay Town Office
– Livermore Falls Town Office
– Spruce Mountain Pharmacy
Already preparing for next year, OTIS FCU has plans for a special in-branch event, filled with additional giveaways and other fun surprises!
OTIS FCU warmly wishes everyone a wonderful start to the school year!
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Media Inquiries
Please direct all media inquiries to Kimberly Couture, Director of Marketing and Communications, at (207) 320-4985, or email KimberlyC@otisfcu.coop.
About OTIS Federal Credit Union
OTIS Federal Credit Union was founded in April of 1954 by eleven local millworkers. Pooling their respective deposits of $5 each, they associated themselves as charter members of OTIS under the provision of the Federal Credit Union Act. At a time in America when obtaining a loan was difficult for the average family, the founders of OTIS sought to form a cooperative, independent financial institution, operated and controlled solely by its local membership. Since its inception, OTIS has been committed not only to providing quality financial products and services to its shareholders, but to giving back to the community. Today, OTIS is a full-service financial center offering real estate, auto, and personal lending; digital banking; a variety of checking, savings, and investment accounts; credit cards; financial planning; and much more. OTIS serves nearly 12,000 members and holds over $290 million in assets. We proudly serve the counties of Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, Somerset, and York. The Credit Union is located at 170 Main Street in Jay, Maine. For more information, please visit www.otisfcu.coop or call (800) 848-3688.