In recognition of International Credit Union Day last week, the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation recognized community recipients and a Sunmark Credit Union staff member with ICU awards.

Celebrating the spirit of the global credit union movement, the Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation honors individuals and organizations “that have contributed their time, talent or treasure to better our communities, living out the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” according to a press release.

Voted on by Sunmark staff, David Ocasio Ross, branch manager of Sunmark’s Clifton Park location, was recognized for his charitable efforts in the community, and the foundation made a $1,000 donation in his name to the charity of his choice, the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Region.

Recipients of the foundation’s People Helping People recognition include St. Catherine’s Center for Children, the Albany Pride Hockey Association and the Unity House of Troy. Each organization was presented with a $2,500 donation from the foundation to assist them in their mission.

The Susan V. Siegel Community Service Leader Award, presented to an individual who has made a meaningful contribution to their community, was awarded to Jeremy Wernick, who in 2012 at age 8, created the annual Hatsgiving project. Hats collected during the November Hatsgiving collection drive are sent to pediatric cancer treatment centers. Since 2013, Hatsgiving has distributed hats to 60 treatment centers in 43 states and Washington, D.C. Wernick received a $1,500 donation for the Hatsgiving project from the foundation.