Suncoast Credit Union Grant Supports Kids on the Block

A group of people pose for a picture. They are holding children's books.

Champions for Children is thrilled to announce a generous grant award from Suncoast Credit Union in support of its Kids on the Block program. This year, as KOTB celebrates 30 years of empowering Tampa Bay’s children through engaging, educational puppetry, this funding ensures the program’s continued impact in fostering child safety and well-being.

Kids on the Block began in 1994 as a local adaptation of the nationally recognized Kids on the Block USA model. Over the past three decades, the program has reached thousands of students annually across Hillsborough County, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to recognize, refuse and report unsafe situations.

“For 30 years, our Kids on the Block program has helped children understand critical topics like bullying, abuse prevention, and empathy through the power of puppetry,” said Amy Haile, Chief Executive Officer, Champions for Children. “This milestone is only possible thanks to the unwavering support of Suncoast Credit Union, whose generosity allows us to continue providing children with the tools they need to stay safe and thrive.”

Last year alone, the program connected with more than 10,000 students through 193 shows at 101 schools across Hillsborough County. KOTB’s impactful approach—using life-like puppets to teach age-appropriate lessons—ensures students gain valuable insights into personal safety while fostering a sense of empathy and understanding among peers.

“At Suncoast Credit Union, we envision a future where every child feels safe, empowered, and ready to achieve their fullest potential,” said Bob Hyde, Vice President of Community Impact, Suncoast Credit Union. “We are proud to support the Kids on the Block program, which has spent 30 years making a meaningful impact in the lives of Tampa Bay’s children. Together, we are building a stronger, safer community where every child can grow and thrive with confidence.”

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card; the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $45 million.

The new funding from Suncoast Credit Union will enhance program delivery and ensure that KOTB’s critical mission continues. This partnership reinforces the shared commitment of Champions for Children and Suncoast Credit Union to empower children and strengthen families throughout Tampa Bay.

About Suncoast Credit Union

Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida, the 8th largest in the United States based on membership, and the 10th largest in the United States based on its $18.6 billion in assets. Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 81 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida. As a community credit union, anyone who lives, works, attends school, or worships in Suncoast Credit Union’s service area is eligible for membership. In 2021, Suncoast Credit Union’s field of membership was expanded to include public K-12 teachers, college educators, and educational support staff from all of Florida’s 67 counties. Suncoast is passionate about community support. Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education, and emotional well-being of children in the communities that the credit union serves. For more information, visit suncoast.com or follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.