Employees of a local bank helped out a local organization for their company's community service. Key Bank employees volunteered with the Circle of Love for Neighbors Make a Difference Day.
The company's employees take a half day each year to volunteer with a different organization. The banks close down their branches and volunteer in the community.
"It's our way of giving back to the community," Branch manager Pattie Halas said.
Article Photos
OBSERVER Photos by Samantha McDonnell
Top: Father Barry Lillis picked up donated stuffed animals from the Circle of Love. Shirley Mekus of the Sewer’s Choice and Millie Jankowski donated the stuffed animals. Pictured, from left: Key Bank branch manager Pattie Halas, Circle of Love founder Josie Christopher, Jankowski and Lillis.
Above: Tom Fino learns to sew a blanket from Circle of Love member Kathy Raymond (left).
Six employees spent the majority of the day making pillows, sewing and stuffing heart shaped pillows for the Circle of Love. These pillows are used for patients with cancer to ensure their upmost comfort while going through treatments. Volunteers even helped create blankets which the Circle of Love donates to children in need.
Key Bank picked the Circle of Love due to Josie Christopher and her involvement in the community.
"The Circle of Love has been so instrumental in our community for those in need," Halas said.
Some of the pillows the bankers made some were donated to Father Barry Lillis, chaplain of ECMC. Lillis also took stuffed animals that were donated by Shirley Mekus of The Sewer's Choice and Circle of Love volunteer Millie Jankowski. He has the stuffed animals and pillows distributed to patients at ECMC. Lillis works with patients on the chemical dependency floors at the hospital.
"My patients will love these (stuffed animals)," he said. "Most of them are bed-ridden or in a wheelchair."
Christopher was grateful for the help from Key Bank.
"It's just wonderful," she said.
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