Help Harry
Donation protected
I want to tell you a story about "Harry" and my extraordinary team at my new credit union. Harry is one of our members and today is his 62nd birthday. Recently Harry stopped coming in for his daily cup of coffee. Concerned, the staff checked in on him and found him overwhelmed by life. As background information, Harry lives in a small one bedroom apartment, survives on $300 a month after he pays his rent and had a $250 electric bill to pay. As you can imagine, this is just not economically feasible. My very generous team selflessly circled the wagons and split his electric bill to keep his lights on last Friday. I was so proud of their generosity and kindness. They're such an amazing group of people and I'm so glad to have every one of them on my staff.
In trying to help Harry I learned enough to disturb me. He was 9 years old when his Mom left him on the side of the road and told him, "you're the biggest mistake I ever made." His life has been filled with all of the things most of us fear --- hunger to the point of near starvation, homelessness, mental illness and an existence with no family or real friends. About a decade ago Harry was able to get off the streets and into an apartment. Of course, he has many emotional and physical ailments which are no doubt the scars of a past he didn't choose for himself.
For his 62nd birthday today my staff blessed Harry beyond measure. They provided him with enough food to last weeks, cleaning supplies, dishes, pots and pans, cleaners, a small amount of cash.....the list goes on and on. Harry could only say "thank you" and "this is my best birthday ever." I could only be amazed at the genuine care for others my team exhibited and be grateful for a group of employees who embrace the true credit union mission.
This last week I've come to realize I have more than a bountiful harvest in my life. No need is unmet and I even want for very little. Nonetheless, my friends and family always want to know what I want for my birthday. Do I want to go on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas? Do I want to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant? Do I want to have a party with my friends? This year, I know EXACTLY what I want. I want to give 62 year old Harry a proper bed so he doesn't have to sleep on the floor anymore.
If you want to help us help Harry feel free to contribute here. And thanks in advance for making my birthday the best one yet.
In trying to help Harry I learned enough to disturb me. He was 9 years old when his Mom left him on the side of the road and told him, "you're the biggest mistake I ever made." His life has been filled with all of the things most of us fear --- hunger to the point of near starvation, homelessness, mental illness and an existence with no family or real friends. About a decade ago Harry was able to get off the streets and into an apartment. Of course, he has many emotional and physical ailments which are no doubt the scars of a past he didn't choose for himself.
For his 62nd birthday today my staff blessed Harry beyond measure. They provided him with enough food to last weeks, cleaning supplies, dishes, pots and pans, cleaners, a small amount of cash.....the list goes on and on. Harry could only say "thank you" and "this is my best birthday ever." I could only be amazed at the genuine care for others my team exhibited and be grateful for a group of employees who embrace the true credit union mission.
This last week I've come to realize I have more than a bountiful harvest in my life. No need is unmet and I even want for very little. Nonetheless, my friends and family always want to know what I want for my birthday. Do I want to go on a weekend cruise to the Bahamas? Do I want to go out to eat at a fancy restaurant? Do I want to have a party with my friends? This year, I know EXACTLY what I want. I want to give 62 year old Harry a proper bed so he doesn't have to sleep on the floor anymore.
If you want to help us help Harry feel free to contribute here. And thanks in advance for making my birthday the best one yet.
Organizer
Andy Reed
Organizer
Bedford, TX