Bensonhurst

Credit Union saves Christmas for needy family

Bay Ridge workers donate money to buy presents

January 9, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Employees of the Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union all chipped in to buy Christmas presents for a Bensonhurst family in need. Photos courtesy of HeartShare Human Services of New York
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A group of Bensonhurst workers showed the true spirit of the holidays when they took up a collection to buy presents for a local family who could not afford to celebrate.

 

Led by Executive Vice President Anthony Grigos and Vice President Comptroller Tina Conte, employees of the Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union decided to forgo the traditional Kris Kringle exchange of presents in their office and instead donated money to help a family in need.

As a result, the family, which is under the care of HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS), was able to enjoy the Christmas holidays. HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services is a program sponsored by the nonprofit agency HeartShare Human Services of New York.

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The family’s name was not released to protect their privacy.

“Last year, a few of our VPs came up with a great idea. Instead of organizing Kris Kringle gift giving among our staff, we could sponsor a family in need. We already are connected to HeartShare, so we reached out to see how we could help,” said Maria Rando of the Bay Ridge Credit Union.

The Credit Union’s nearly 40 staff members contributed to sponsoring the holiday celebration for the family, whose members are working with the HSVS Bensonhurst Family Service Center. The HSVS program offers counseling, parent training and other resources to families in crisis to prevent the placement of children into the foster care system.

The Bay Ridge Federal Credit Union team invited the Bensonhurst mother and her four children, ages one, three, four and 12, to the company’s main office at 1750 86th St. a few days before Christmas to present them with new coats, toys and a Christmas tree. 

“I nominated the family for this opportunity. I knew their circumstances and that their mother is working very hard to make ends meet,” said Flor Rodriguez, a HSVS case planner who has been assisting the family for a few months. 

“We are grateful that our own children have the privilege of celebrating the holiday season. We wanted to bring that joy to those who need it most,” Rando said. 


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