Lockheed Federal Credit Union (LFCU) employees donated blood to benefit the American Red Cross on Thursday, Sept. 11.

For seven years, LFCU has hosted a blood drive in memory of 9/11. This year, 59 employees donated blood, exceeding the Red Cross goal of 45 donors at LFCU.

"LFCU employees want to help our community," said Alethia Calagias, community relations specialist at LFCU. "On a day of remembrance, it's an especially appropriate time to contribute to organizations like the American Red Cross."

In addition to domestic disaster relief, the American Red Cross provides compassionate services in five other areas: community services that help the needy; support and comfort for military members and their families; the collection, processing and distribution of life-saving blood and blood products; educational programs that promote health and safety; and international relief and development programs.

Lockheed Federal Credit Union has more than 100,000 members and more than $2.6 billion in assets.

Chartered in 1937, LFCU offers members preferred rates on savings and loan accounts, surcharge-free access to 25,000 ATMs, and access to a nationwide network of branches.

Today, LFCU is the largest financial institution headquartered in the San Fernando Valley.

LFCU recently received a five-star rating - the highest possible for financial strength - from Bauer Financial, a source for unbiased, independent bank and credit union star ratings.

The five-star rating validates that LFCU is safe, financially sound and operating well above its regulatory capital requirements.

LFCU operates branches in the San Fernando, San Gabriel, Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys, as well as eastern Ventura County. Membership is open to Southern California residents of more than 600 sponsor companies.

Deposits in LFCU are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency, www.ncua.gov. LFCU is an equal housing lender.

Chartered in 1937, LFCU has more than 100,000 members. Membership is open to Southern California residents of more than 200 sponsor companies. Deposits in LFCU are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. LFCU is an equal housing lender.

For more information about LFCU, visit www.lfcu.com. LFCU is not affiliated with the Red Cross.