COLUMBUS, Ohio–Members are still reacting strongly to Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union’s 75 Days of Giving, the credit union said. To celebrate 75 years of serving the Cleveland community, Unity Catholic randomly selected 75 members to receive gifts. The event took place at all Unity Catholic offices from October 2016 through February 2017. Gifts included credit union collectibles and $75 dollars in cash.
With each gift, Unity Catholic asked that $25 of those dollars be used to “pay it forward” in the community, and for winner members to let Unity Catholic know how that money was used to help others.
“Through social media, people shared how appreciative they were of the spontaneous cash,” the credit union said. “The Unity Catholic Facebook page was filled with inspirational stories of hope and kindness. Some of the favorite stories include: the member who passed the extra $25 to a stranded driver for gas money; a cash winner who gave a little lift to a retiree who was struggling to get by; or gifting it to a total stranger ‘just because’.”
The 75 Days of Giving may be over, but Unity Catholic said it hopes that the giving continues throughout the spring months. The latest project of hope encourages members to help the homeless by donating essential everyday items and money for those that need it most. People often think of the homeless more as the holidays approach or when the temperature dips below freezing. For the homeless, it’s not a seasonal need but rather an everyday reality.
Through their Helping Hands initiative, Unity Catholic employees are putting together “Blessing Bags” to distribute to the homeless at the St. Malachi Shelter. Donations can be made in the form of money so that Unity Catholic can purchase the items required, or actual items to be placed in the bags. Donations will be accepted at your local Unity Catholic Credit Union office. CEO Brian McCue expressed his gratitude for the community’s generosity, saying, “On behalf of everyone at Unity Catholic, thank you for your continued support and for making a difference in the community and thank you in advance for your support of the Helping Hands program.”