UHS employees come through for co-workers in need

Members of the UHS Employees Federal Credit Union and other employees across UHS purchased more than 350 holiday gifts for their co-workers in need this year.

Every December, the credit union trims “Giving Trees” at its branches and encourages anyone who stops by to select an anonymous card so that they can buy holiday gifts for a UHS family that has experienced a difficult year.

This could include families that have suffered a financial or medical hardship, death of a loved one, fire, flood or other recent serious challenge.

This year, 350 gifts were purchased for 20 families. 

“The generosity of our members and UHS staff is the reason our Giving Tree is a success,” said Kay Murray, chief executive officer of the UHS-based credit union.

While the credit union hosts the giving program each year, it is supported by both individual credit union members and other employees on the UHS team, she said.

Each family in need submits an application that is anonymously placed on one of the decorated trees for sponsorship.

“From there, it is all up to members and staff,” Ms. Murray noted.  “The cards get picked up and what gets brought back is in the hands of our sponsors.”

Said Megan Gray, business development officer of the credit union:  “This program would not be possible without the help of all the UHS departments and individual UHS employees who take cards off our trees.  I am also grateful for the help of the credit union's community outreach committee for making the program a success."

The UHS credit union has been hosting the program for over 12 years, and each year it continues to be more successful.

This year, Fidelis Care also made a corporate donation to the credit union of coupons for holiday turkeys.

Families who have received gifts have already been sending notes of appreciation to their generous co-workers, in care of the credit union, including:

"I’m so grateful! Amazing, thankful. You all have made our Christmas so much better and blessed. This is wonderful! Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity.”

"Thank you, as it really will help us out this year.  We were very pleased and still amazed at all we got.  Please thank everyone and let them know that we really appreciate all that was done. You helped make our Christmas a very special one.”

"I want to thank everyone for the gifts. They all went above and beyond. You guys are awesome!”

Earlier this week the credit union team spent some time getting everything wrapped and all set for the families. You can see pictures of their efforts below.