FRANKFORT, KY (June 2, 2021) — To bring a little bit of joy to a child’s life is a priceless experience, but it’s especially impactful when that child is battling a critical illness. This Wednesday, Commonwealth Credit Union, in partnership with Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana, hopes to serve as that spark of joy and will be unveiling the region’s first Make-A-Wish Toy Closet.
When a child enters the Wish program, it can be somewhat of an overwhelming and scary time for them and their family. With so much uncertainty at that time, one thing the child can depend on is a fuzzy friend, a special doll, or an action hero figure that will be by their side from start to finish. The toy closet, located at the credit union’s Hamburg Branch, will be the centralized site for Wish toys, such as these, to be housed.
“To watch a child enter the Wish program, receive treatment, and then graduate to lead a life where they are not only surviving but thriving, is what Bettering Lives is all about,” said Karen Harbin, Commonwealth Credit Union President/CEO. “As the 2021 Wish Chair, I am thrilled that we can provide a home for the toys that start these children on their Wish journey.”
The Toy Closet is not Commonwealth Credit Union’s only involvement with Make-A-Wish. Even though COVID restrictions kept many of us apart at the beginning of the year, Harbin virtually served as a presenter at every Women Inspiring Strength & Hope (W.I.S.H.) event that began in March. In April, the credit union’s service project to celebrate their 70 Years of Service with 70 Acts of Service was a toy drive to help fill the closet. This drive brought in close to 400 toys. Just last month, Commonwealth Credit Union served as a sponsor of Walk for Wishes, an event they’ve been involved with for two consecutive years. Walk for Wishes celebrates the children whose wishes have already been granted, but it also serves as a fundraiser to fulfill even more.
Faith Hacker, Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana Senior Development Officer, added, “Community partners are vital in helping us fulfill our mission of granting the wish of every eligible child, and we are so appreciative of Commonwealth Credit Union. Our relationship is especially meaningful because we are united in our passion to inspire hope in the lives of these special young children, as evident in their funding, support, and hosting of the Toy Closet.”
To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Toy Closet at Commonwealth Credit Union’s Hamburg Branch or how you can help spark joy with donations, visit www.ccuky.org/make-a-wish-toy-
Established in 1951, Commonwealth Credit Union currently serves over 120,000 members and has over $2 billion in assets. Anyone who lives, works, worships, goes to school, or volunteers in one of 25 eligible counties in Central Kentucky or the Louisville Metro Area can bank at Commonwealth Credit Union. Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Bobby White
Brand and Communications Director
Commonwealth Credit Union
502.564.4775
bwhite@cwcu.org
