Random Acts of Kindness
2010 marked an important year for Rhinebeck Savings Bank as we proudly celebrated 150 years in the business of banking. In lieu of a celebration gala, Rhinebeck Savings chose to leave behind a legacy of ‘gifting’ with a year-long series of “random acts of kindness.” Our objective was to address areas of need that fell through the cracks. Decisions were made as to who would be ‘gifted’ with a random act of kindness by keeping abreast of current economic and social changes in our communities.
Rhinebeck Savings Bank Brightens the Day
Rhinebeck Savings Banks Random Act of Kindness initiative was launched on February 26 when 150 bouquets of anemones were distributed to residents of three nursing homes in Ulster and Dutchess counties. The hope was the flowers would help brighten the residents’ day. Furthermore, the Bank purchased the bouquets from the Mental Health Association in Ulster County as part of their fund-raising efforts for their programs for children and families.
“This was the first of many acts of kindness we will be performing this year in order to make the lives of our neighbors in need a little brighter and more comfortable,” said Michael J. Quinn, President and CEO for Rhinebeck Savings Bank. “Beyond the direct impact of these deeds, we hope our program will inspire employees, customers, and neighbors to carry out their own random acts of kindness.”
Rhinebeck Savings Helps Dutchess Outreach
It was no joke on April Fools Day when representatives from Rhinebeck Savings Bank showed up to the Dutchess Outreach Board meeting to present 150 $20 gift cards to Stop & Shop. Dutchess Outreach will hand out the gift cards through the organizations Food Pantry program. The hopes are that this ‘little something extra’ will help those in need purchase items not available at the food pantry or with food stamps.
“This generous donation came at a very good time, as we are seeing a definite increase in the number of families in need and a decrease in funding,” said Brian Riddell, Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach. “We are thankful Rhinebeck Savings Bank thought of us.”
Rhinebeck Savings Provides Free Meals for a Week
Another in a year-long series of Random Acts of Kindness occurred May 26. Rhinebeck Savings Bank employees presented the Poughkeepsie-based Meals on Wheels with a check to cover a weeks worth of meals for each individual currently receiving the service.
“It was gratifying to help such a caring organization,” says Rosemary Bertelle, Vice President of Marketing for Rhinebeck Savings Bank. “The volunteers give of themselves daily to prepare home cooked meals and provide companionship to those in need.”
Meals on Wheels of Greater Poughkeepsie prepares box lunches and hot meals and delivers them to homebound individuals. For more information contact Meals on Wheels at (845) 452-2245.
Rhinebeck Savings Surprises Astor Services with Children's Books
On June 29, Rhinebeck Savings Bank employees surprised Astor Services for Children & Families in Rhinebeck with 150 books for the children. Staff at the bank worked with the local Barnes & Noble to choose books suitable for children between the ages of 5 and 14. Popular children’s favorites such as ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,’ ‘Superfudge’ and ‘Because of Winn-Dixie’ were just some of the selection.
“On behalf of the children, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Rhinebeck Savings Bank for their generous contribution of books to the children. It was a wonderful surprise, made extra special by the time and care the employees put into choosing the books. The children will certainly enjoy them!” said Sonia Barnes-Moorhead, Executive Vice President, The Astor Home for Children Foundation.
Astor Services for Children & Families is a non-profit organization which provides children’s mental health and child welfare services, as well as, early childhood development programs. Through a variety of services, Astor provides support for pre-schoolers, children with behavioral and emotional health problems and children at risk of placement in foster care. Families in need of assistance in developing the skills necessary to raise their children in challenging environments is also an area they address.
Rhinebeck Savings Provides Household Items for Catharine Street Families
Rhinebeck Savings Bank recently presented Catharine Street Community Center with a gift for the families receiving their services. During the Center’s family picnic on July 29, employees from the bank unloaded buckets and buckets filled with household items for the families to take.
“We know times are tough for many people in the community,” says Elizabeth Flynn-Rand, SVP Operations for Rhinebeck Savings Bank. “This was our way to try and help ease the burden, just a little, for some well deserving families.”
Shirley Adams, Executive Director for Catharine Street was thankful for the donation. “The surprise was worth so much… just seeing the smiles on the families’ faces. These were gifts they can really use” she said.
Catharine Street Community Center promotes and coordinates educational, health and cultural programming that enriches and enhances the lives of individuals, children and families. The Center attracts more than 550 children, family and community groups weekly and also proudly manages the Poughkeepsie Boys Choir.
Rhinebeck Savings Pays Homage to the Veterans
Rhinebeck Savings Banks year-long series of “random acts of kindness” continues. Military Veterans employed with the bank presented the Castle Point Campus with 150 baskets filled with a variety of personal care products on Tuesday, August 17. These baskets were distributed to both the men and women utilizing the Castle Point services.
“These baskets were beautiful and well received by our Community Living Center residents
and female veterans,” said Yvette Rodriguez, Program Manager of Voluntary Services.
The Castle Point Campus is a patient-centered, integrated health care organization for Veterans providing excellent health care, research, and education. For more information about Castle Point eligibility and services contact the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System at (845) 831-2000.
Rhinebeck Savings Helps Women in Need
On Monday, September 20, Walmart gift cards, valued at $1,500, were presented to Luader Smith on behalf of the House of Faith Ministry. The gift cards will be dispensed to those utilizing services provided through the House of Hope. The House of Hope is a family violence service provider reaching out to victims of family violence each year with programs that keep women and children safe.
"Your generous gifts will touch many lives, making days a little brighter, hearts a little happier and problems seem a whole lot smaller," said Luader Smith, Executive Director for House of Faith Ministry. "Thank you for being such a blessing to the House of Hope."
If you or someone you know needs assistance in breaking free of a domestic violence situation, call the House of Faith Ministry at 845-765-0294. Help is out there, all you need to do is ask.
Rhinebeck Savings Warms Up the Season
Hudson River Lodging addresses the basic needs of homeless individuals and families that are placed in emergency housing by providing meals, transportation, 24-hour security, and other immediate assistance for those adjusting to their temporary living situation. Hudson River Lodging is just one of the many assistance programs available through Hudson River Housing. For more information regarding this service call 845-454-5176.
Rhinebeck Savings Gives a Gift for the Children
Just a few days after dropping off hats and gloves to Hudson River Housing, Rhinebeck Savings Bank is at it again! On Tuesday, November 9, several representatives from the Bank entered a Board meeting at The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse and surprised members of their board with the next Random Act of Kindness. 45 bags filled with 300 Teddy Bears were presented for children passing through the organizations doors.
The board members were thrilled with the thoughtfulness and compassion represented by this donation. “These teddy bears look exactly like our logo,” exclaimed one board member. “This will be such a wonderful gift to give to a child when they come to us at a difficult time,” said another.
The Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse is a not-for-profit agency working to reduce the incidence of child abuse and neglect by providing education, prevention, and intervention services throughout Dutchess County. If you need to report a suspected case of child abuse, please call 1-800-342-3720 or if you would like to reach the center directly, call 454-0595.
Rhinebeck Savings Performs Their Last Random Act of Kindness
On Monday, December 20, arrangements were made with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to pick up a donation from Rhinebeck Savings corporate offices. 150 bags filled with soap, shampoo, and various other personal hygiene and household cleaning products had been packaged up for distribution to two women’s shelters and a parenting program located in Dutchess County.
“During a time when food donations are more likely to be given, we learned that the need also existed for household basics,” says Rosemary Bertelle, Vice President Marketing for the Bank. “Instead of someone having to make a choice between putting food on the table and purchasing these goods this holiday season, we decide to step in and help fill the gap.”
The Food Bank of the Hudson Valley collects large donations of food through its partnership with the food industry and distributes it to over 370 local charitable agencies feeding hungry people in Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Sullivan and Putnam counties. Last year alone, they distributed 9 million pounds. To find out how you can help, contact Toni Gutter or Jessica Bell at 845-534-5344 or e-mail Toni or Jessica: tgutter@foodbankofhudsonvalley.org or jbell@foodbankofhudsonvalley.org.
