ēCO Credit Union has a strong commitment to the communities where our members live, work and play. Through the #eCOmmunity program, we are proud to recognize people and community groups who go above and beyond for their community. Each month in 2020, members of the community who embody the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People” will be nominated by ēCO employees to be “Credit Unioned.”
Mia Robinson, Homewood Branch Manager, nominated Gordon Pugh to be “Credit Unioned” for the month of November.
“Mr. Pugh is the very example of giving back to the community,” said Robinson. 
“He leads by example of how each of us should treat our neighbors. He has an infectious and genuine spirit that makes everyone around him feel special and cared for.”
Gordon Pugh grew up locally in Birmingham, Alabama and has been a member of ēCO since 1984. He attended a local university before going on to graduate from seminary in New Jersey. Gordon is a husband and father of three grown children. He currently works in the pastoral care unit for a local hospital.
What is even more unique about Gordon is his special job as an assistant to the big man in red himself, Santa Claus. Gordon says, “I got a letter, kind of like the letters from the Harry Potter movies. The letters just kept coming, and Santa said he needed someone who can help.”
“With the life experience I have working with children in particular, it allows them to be able to have an authority figure in their lives that is encouraging, loving, supportive, and acknowledges the difficulties they face, and that just makes my day. It also gives me an opportunity to be creative,” says Gordon.
“Mr. Pugh works with sick, injured, and chronically ill children, along with their families to bring them comfort and joy,” says Mia Robinson. “Every year he helps Santa with his duties and gives children and families around the community so much happiness and joy in the wonderment of Christmas. He is a seasoned public speaker, who gives amazing insight during presentations at conferences, hospitals, colleges, and hospice facilities.”
Homewood Branch Manager, Mia Robinson, and Homewood Branch MSR, Stephanie Cook, were proud to surprise Gordon Pugh with a gift card for dinner on ēCO as a small way to say thank you for his dedication to the community.
“This is so very kind and sweet and such an encouragement to me. Sometimes I just do what I do, and that is just what I do. I know I have gifts, talents, and a calling for that, but to have a reminder that it really does make a difference is heartwarming and very touching,” says Gordon.
“With every interaction we are left with a smile on our face, and there has been laughter in the air,” says Mia Robinson. “He is just the embodiment of joy!”
“The spirit of giving, ultimately, is a spirit of service. We are able to serve because we 
have been served. And when we have examples, good and bad, we are able to call on those examples,” says Gordon. “And as I am getting older, I am learning how important it is to be an example, to be like the people I looked up to in learning how to serve. ēCO is a great example of service, and I am thankful for this special surprise. Thank you!”
ēCO Credit Union is grateful for the commitment and investment Gordon Pugh provides to the community. Thank you, Gordon for your leadership and dedication to the community!