TAMPA, Fla. –For the eighth consecutive year, GTE Financial Credit Union has used its Make Hope Real initiative to support member families who have found themselves in a tough financial situation during the holidays.
Make Hope Real is an internal philanthropic effort meant to help families in need have the holiday they very much deserve.
“The holidays can be difficult for many people struggling to make ends meet. Several years ago, GTE Financial decided to spread cheer to member families who could use a lending hand,” the credit union said. “This year, GTE Financial selected thirteen local families to support to make the most impact possible. Fifty-one family members, thirty of which are children, were supported by the organization making this the biggest year for GTE Financial’s Make Hope Real.”
Once families are selected, the Make Hope Real team fulfills each chosen member’s holiday wish list, always going above and beyond to ensure each family has an incredible holiday, the CU added.
“Make Hope Real is one of my favorite philanthropic efforts here at the credit union. It is extremely rewarding to work with our member families to bring some holiday cheer, and now more than ever, they need us,” said Lisa Cathey, engagement marketing manager at GTE Financial.
Since its inception, Cathey has been a part of Make Hope Real through volunteering and fundraising efforts and took over leading the initiative three years ago alongside her team.
“Seeing the excitement on the children’s faces and the relief we bring to these incredibly hard-working parents is exactly why we do this every year,” Cathey continued.
GTE Financial’s Make Hope Real Initiative was developed to further celebrate People Helping People while acknowledging GTE’s deep love for its members and the entire Tampa Bay community. Families for Make Hope Real were selected by submitting their personal stories and wish lists at gtefinancial.org.