Fifth Third Bank Employees Bring Holiday Joy to Homeless Families

1/6/2012

The Central Indiana Fifth Third Club donated $800 to the Homeless Initiative Program (HIP) to assist needy homeless families during the holiday season.

The Central Indiana Fifth Third Club was established to organize and/or sponsor activities, entertainment, social events, sporting activities and volunteer opportunities for the benefit of Fifth Third employees, their families and communities. The Club consists of 20 employees from the bank’s various markets, ensuring representation from the organization’s entire affiliate of approximately 800 employees.

“As we planned our activities for the year, we decided that for the month of December we wanted to have a fundraiser to help families in our community.  The initiative for an employee cookbook as a fundraiser had the committee’s support,” said Mary Murff, Fifth Third Club assistant president. “Throughout the year we collected recipes from our employees and put together what we think is a great cookbook. Our employees were able to purchase the cookbooks and we were excited to donate the proceeds to the Homeless Initiative Program.”

Thanks to their generous gift, HIP staff went shopping three days before Christmas and purchased gifts for seven families, including 10 children ranging in age from 4 to 15 years. Children received age-appropriate toys, an outfit and a pair of pajamas. 

“On behalf of the Central Indiana Fifth Third Club we want thank Sharon Stark, Director of the Homeless Initiative Program and her staff for partnering with us to make the lives of those seven families a little better during the holiday season,” added Murff.

HIP Medical Assistant Mandy Stivers and HIP Director Sharon Stark picked up the donation at the downtown banking center on December 21. Sandra Sandifer, the AVP of Community Development at the Central Indiana Fifth Third Club, was the Case Management Supervisor at HIP for several years, and she recommended HIP to receive the funding. Thank you, Sandra, and everyone at the Central Indiana Fifth Third Club for your support of HIP! 

Winter Warm-Up Collection Drives Needed!
The winter chill is under way in Indianapolis; it’s time to scour the closets for seldom-used coats, hats, gloves and other clothes that could help keep someone else warm.  Click here to learn how hosting a Helpings Drive could be the perfect way to give back.