Students in Tacoma Public Schools after-school programs will get snacks and new radio equipment after five credit unions pooled $15,385 for the district.

TAPCO Credit Union, BECU, Gesa Credit Union, O Bee Credit Union and Sound Credit Union presented the contribution Thursday, Oct. 15, at the TPS McKinley School District Office, 3702 E. McKinley Ave., according to South Sound Biz.

The event coincided with International Credit Union Day, observed annually on the third Thursday of October.

The money targets three needs across the district, according to a TAPCO Credit Union press release: snacks for students in after-school programs, radio sets for Beyond the Bell programs and graduation-related expenses.

Budget reductions have affected the district's ability to provide items such as snacks for students in after-school activities, the press release stated. The credit unions donated snacks at the Oct. 15 event.

Beyond the Bell is an after-school program at elementary schools throughout the district. Each participating location needs a minimum of 24 radios to support operations. The contribution will fund radio sets at 12 schools: Arlington, Birney, Blix, Edison, Fawcett, Fern Hill, Grant, Larchmont, Lister, Manitou Park, Stafford and Travis.

A separate portion covers graduation expenses. Those costs can present financial barriers for students working toward their ceremonies.

After the check presentation, credit union employees split into two volunteer groups. One team worked on landscaping near the playground at the STAR Center, a Parks Tacoma facility, pruning, weeding and mulching three garden beds.

A second group helped set up Halloween decorations at the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound's Lakewood branch, located at the Gary & Carol Milgard Family HOPE Center, ahead of the club's annual youth festival.

Beyond the Bell has also received a $600,000 grant from Pierce County through the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA), which funds structured academic enrichment and social activities for K-8 students after school until 5:45 p.m. Justin Martin, TAPCO's president and CEO, led the Tacoma-based credit union's participation in the collaborative effort.

Families interested in Beyond the Bell can find program details on the Tacoma Public Schools website.