Retiring Public Schoolteacher Wins Free Groceries for a Year from Suncoast Credit Union

Simply Suncoast

June 09, 2026

A life of service

TAMPA, Fla. – Calvin McElroy has devoted his life to helping others.

After graduating from the University of South Florida’s College of Education in 1988, his life’s calling came into focus: It was helping the children of the community.

“I get to help students, and work with families,” he said.

For twelve years, McElroy taught music to elementary school students at several schools throughout Hillsborough County. Inside his classrooms, there were always two constants: The constant sound of music, and the constant sound of rambunctious little ones with a yearning to learn.

From teaching melodies to discussing the craft of music, McElroy knows his lessons struck a chord.

After a dozen years in the classroom, McElroy made a move within the Hillsborough County School District and joined the district’s headquarters. He’s held a variety of roles and currently works in the placement/choice office, which helps students and their families find the appropriate school to attend.

As he is nearing his 38^th year in public education, McElroy looks to the future and retirement, which is just months away.

“It’s time to hang up the towel,” he quipped.

A lifelong Suncoast member

The music teacher’s relationship with Suncoast Credit Union stretches back decades. He became a member in 1989, at a time when the institution focused on serving educators.

Over the years, he has used Suncoast for a variety of loans as well as checking and savings accounts.

When he lived in South Tampa, he would often visit the Suncoast branch along South Manhattan Avenue. Now, from his new home in Auburndale in Polk County, he manages his finances easily using the Suncoast app and plans to find a local branch soon.

“It’s been a good organization, a good institution for me,” he said.

A helpful chunk of change for retirement

Retirement brings a new money-balancing act. Savings must be managed strategically to make them last.

In late 2025, McElroy entered a Suncoast contest to win a year of free groceries, hoping some good fortune would come his way, and perhaps provide an extra cushion of cash in retirement. The contest offered members the opportunity to win a year of free groceries for switching their direct deposit over to Suncoast, and also allowed members with an existing direct deposit at Suncoast the chance to enter.

He said he was shocked to learn he was the winner when he received a congratulatory email several weeks later.

At first, McElroy said he didn’t think it was real, but after a call to Suncoast’s corporate offices, it was verified. He was indeed the winner.

“Everybody is very envious,” he laughed. “They’ve said, ‘oh my gosh!’”

He plans to put more than $14,000 to good use in retirement.

“Who can’t use extra help with groceries because the prices are continuing to rise?” he asked.

A token of appreciation for a devoted Suncoast member

“We’re thrilled Calvin has been awarded a year of free groceries,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “As a longtime Suncoast member who has spent his life helping others, this recognition is especially fitting for such a generous member of our community.”

Call it music to the ears.

A local credit union uplifting a member who devoted his life to helping students and their families.

As McElroy finds himself on the receiving end of a good gesture, perhaps it’s a sign that life has a remarkable way of coming full circle.

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