More Than Wheels’ first-ever online auction raised $4,698 to allow working families in the local community attain greater financial stability.
 
More Than Wheels has been serving members of the local community with its financial education and credit repair program since 2001. This year, through the sponsorship of St. Mary’s Bank, More Than Wheels hosted its first online holiday auction. It was an event where community businesses and members were able to join together to offer a helping hand to others while doing some holiday shopping at the same time. The overwhelming support resulted in $4,698 being raised which will allow families that have been afflicted by bruised credit access the transportation and financial stability they need to propel forward economically towards self-sufficiency.  Nearly HALF of New Englanders have subprime credit - affecting millions. Less-than-stellar credit can happen to anyone due to trouble paying student loans, getting downsized by Corporate America, battling a medical issue, or going through a divorce.
 
St. Mary’s Bank was a natural partner to sponsor the holiday auction as they have been a long-time lending partner with More Than Wheels and share a similar vision.

“St. Mary’s Bank is proud to partner with More Than Wheels as we share a mission of people helping people.  More Than Wheels’ focus on financial literacy represents another similarity in our organization’s respective visions.  Finally, to see the members we serve realize their dream of trouble free, affordable transportation; while in many cases also re-establishing their credit, is a testament to the program’s success and proof positive of the strong commitment St. Mary’s Bank shares with More Than Wheels. Since joining More Than Wheels as a lending partner in 2010, St. Mary's Bank has helped 600 families access reliable transportation by providing over $7.5M in auto loans.” - Judi Window, Community Outreach.

With the support from the community, More Than Wheels will continue assisting individuals in this community.  
More Than Wheels is a not for profit organization that serves the people of New England by giving them a hand up, resulting in brighter futures and financial well-being. This program works with individuals through a unique set of services to both meet transportation needs & improve financial stability. With More Than Wheels’ help, families are able to gain financial literacy, improve their credit, and purchase a new or gently used car. In New England, a car is a “need to have” to survive and definitely to thrive—it’s something we often take for granted and never give a second thought. By combining the critical need for transportation with long-term financial literacy skills, More Than Wheels is able to transform lives and bring lasting change.
Visit http://morethanwheels.org/, or call 1-866-455-2522 for more information.
 
As the first credit union in the United States, St. Mary's Bank is proud of its heritage. For over a century, we've been helping New Hampshire residents with a wide range of affordable products and services, including checking accounts, personal loans, real estate loans, business banking, and savvy financial planning. Our mission: to help members achieve their financial goals by providing best-in-market-service and trusted financial advice. Visit https://www.stmarysbank.com, or call 1-888-786-2791 for more information.