A local credit union held a virtual groundbreaking for its new location along Northpointe Monday afternoon.

Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, which has served the local community for many years, announced earlier this month on social media its plans to build a new location.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the credit union was unable to host a physical celebration and choose instead to use the money dedicated to the ceremony to benefit five local charities.

Christ’s Table, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville, The Carr Center and the Muskingum County Community Foundation each received a $2,500 check.

The LaMacchia Group, the development firm for the Credit Union, was touched by the act of kindness and chose to match the donation to Christ’s Table, awarding the organization $5,000 in total.

The move will help ensure many in the community have food, as Y-City News has previously reported Christ’s Table has seen its cost-per-meal double due to the closure of its dine-in service.

In total, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, along with the LaMacchia Group, is donating over $15,000 to the five local charities.

“We are incredibly thrilled to be moving to a new location,” said Shala Aitken, branch manager. “Our members continue to make it possible for us to change and find new and exciting ways to serve the Muskingum and Licking County area.”

According to Aitken, the anticipated completion date is Winter 2020.

Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union was founded in 1957 and is a full-service financial institution with more than 35,000 members and over half-a-billion in assets.

To watch a video of the virtual groundbreaking go to https://animoto.com/play/Cw4QsB1BI9PtNdymRQ90kQ