Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has committed an immediate $10,000 to the Atmore Area YMCA to help keep its doors open to the Atmore community and its members, according to a press release from Gulf Winds.

In addition, Gulf Winds is committing $6,000 per year for the next three years to match a pledge made by Alto Products, which will help the YMCA’s financial operations.

The Atmore Area YMCA recently announced it would close its doors on Aug. 29, 2014, unless they could raise the funds necessary to remain open.

“Gulf Winds has been an active community partner in Atmore for years,” said Chris Rutledge, Gulf Winds president and CEO. “After meeting with the YMCA team and getting a better understanding of their needs, we knew we ended to help this important organization.

“We also hope our pledge to match Alto Products will push other businesses and organizations to provide similar support.”

The initial $10,000 donation to the Atmore Area YMCA will be made in honor of Gulf Winds’ longtime board of directors member and Atmore resident, John Coker, who recently passed away. “Johnny” always worked hard on behalf of his hometown of Atmore and was one of the driving forces behind Gulf Winds opening a branch in Atmore, according to Gulf Winds representatives.

“We are thrilled that Gulf Winds has made this financial commitment to the YMCA,” said Paul Chason, CEO of the Atmore Area YMCA. “Gulf Winds understands how important the Y is to Atmore’s residents, especially the programs for our youth, after-school, sports and seniors.”

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union is a community financial institution service members who live, work, worship and attend school in Escambia County, Ala., and six Florida counties. Gulf Winds serves more than 54,000 members and has 12 branch locations in Atmore and Brewton in Alabama, and Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Tallahassee and Crawfordville in Florida.