Hundreds of local children and adults receive gifts and hope for the holidays
PEACHTREE CORNERS, GA (December 14, 2021) — Associated Credit Union collaborated with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite Hospital, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, Quinn House and Wilderness Works to fulfill 875 holiday gift wishes for children and adults, delivering the donations on Dec. 8.
Each year, Associated Credit Union partners with local organizations for Making Caring Count, which provides an opportunity for employees and members to donate new unwrapped items by choosing individual tags that include age information with gift wishes. The requests vary from personal care items — body wash and fuzzy socks — to creative toys — glow-in-the-dark basketball and mini drone.
This year, Associated Credit Union enthusiastically exceeded their goal of 765 gifts with some employees and members sponsoring several individuals and donating more than requested. Mortgage Loan Sales Manager Kevin Walts said he understands what reoccurring hospital stays feel like as a kid so he selected numerous Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta tags so every patient would have a gift. Similarly, Learning and Development Assistant Vice President Annia Pereira said she wants each person to feel supported so she donated more than what the tags listed.
“I may not know these individuals, but I included additional items I thought they might need, hoping it would make them feel appreciated, loved and valued,” said Pereira.
Fourteen years ago, Associated Credit Union started the annual Making Caring Count tradition to help make holiday wishes come true for children and families undergoing difficult situations. Since then, Making Caring Count has grown to include various local organizations that support diverse community needs and has donated more than 11,000 gifts. But the gifts represent more than just fulfilled wishes, they often epitomize hope and love.
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Senior Program Coordinator Michelle Martin said the donated gifts make their patients and families feel loved being away from home during the holidays. Likewise, City and Summer Camps Director and Recruiting Coordinator Ebonie Martin said the fulfilled wishes offer hope to their underserved youth.
“At-risk and homeless kids don’t have a typical Christmas, so to fill a bus with gifts means a lot because they wouldn’t have Christmas otherwise,” said Martin. “This is just a treat for them to believe in something — people do care about them.”
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta delivers pediatric healthcare and research, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in Norcross provides emergency assistance, Quinn House in Lawrenceville offers food, clothing and other aid and Wilderness Works in Atlanta gives underserved children safe and enriching outdoor experiences.
Associated Credit Union fulfills 875 gift wishes for children and adults this holiday season. Associated Credit Union delivered the donations to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite Hospital, Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, Quinn House and Wilderness Works on Dec. 8.
About Associated Credit Union
Associated Credit Union, a $2 billion financial institution that serves more than 158,000 members at 18 locations in Atlanta, Augusta, Carrollton and Dawsonville, offers members financial products that fulfill their needs, service that exceeds their expectations and relationships that inspire their trust. The Associated Credit Union Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provides fundraising and volunteer opportunities for employees and members to support charitable organizations. For more information about Associated Credit Union, visit acuonline.org or like and follow @AssociatedCU on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
