Co-workers buy gifts for families whose finances are strained

Media interviews with Kay Murray of the UHS Credit Union are welcome. Call Jon Tooley, UHS Community Relations, at 762-2336.

Twenty-four families who have experienced hardships during 2018 will find something a bit cheerful under the tree at holiday time, thanks to the generosity of their fellow UHS employees. The UHS Employees Federal Credit Union has organized the 2018 “Giving Tree” at all three of its branches, said Kay Murray, chief executive officer of the Credit Union.

“The Giving Tree is a great way for UHS people to help their colleagues who may not be able to buy gifts for their families this holiday season,” she said. “Some families have had to cope with hardships that have put a heavy strain on finances, such as a job change, medical condition, fire, flood or accident.”

Ms. Murray noted that employees are very generous. “Every family ends up with a large Santa sack,” she said. This year, more than 350 gifts were purchased for those identified as having experienced a difficult situation during the year.

Employees who wish to help out go to a UHS Credit Union branch and take a card off a decorated holiday tree. Cards are anonymous, but include the ages and clothing sizes of children and others in the family. Staff then buy and wrap new gifts for the families in need and bring them to a UHS Credit Union office to be delivered to the recipients before Christmas day.

The effort complements the UHS Credit Union’s community service orientation, Ms. Murray said.
“This follows our mission of ‘People Helping People,’” she said. “It also allows UHS employees to help each other.”