Kitsap Credit Union recently completed Operation Red Van, a community project which, began with Tami Close, training supervisor at the Credit Union. Close was purchasing a new car and wanted to give her current vehicle to a local, single mother and family and to fill it with items they might need. She donated her red, 1993 Dodge Caravan to Kitsap Community Resources (KCR) and Danielle Gross, a 25-year old single mother of two.

Local businesses and individuals jumped at the opportunity to get involved with Operation Red Van. Kitsap Credit Union Call Center employees purchased and collected a variety of household items to fill the van including a love seat, a trundle bed, a double bed, baby crib, high chair, play pen, pots and pans, toys, clothing, Nintendo 64 system with games accompanied by a TV, groceries, toiletries, baby items, cash, family haircuts and even a complete makeover for Gross by Designer Kelvin Jones.

Jeff Baker, owner of Local Wrench in Belfair, Rears and Gears owner, John Weber of Port Orchard and David Bosch, parts manager of Bremerton Dodge all provided service to the van to ensure its reliability and safety for the Gross family. Fresh fruit and assorted groceries were contributed by Albertson’s, three Safeway stores and R & M produce in Bremerton. Clothing for the entire family was donated by Rumplenewskin’s in Poulsbo, KCU staff, KCR staff and the community.

Kitsap Credit Union has established an account for Gross and Kid’s Club Share Accounts for each of her children. Donations can be made at any one of KCU locations. Indicate donations are for “Danielle Gross and family.”.