CHROME FCU's Contest winners show you don't have to look far to find community kindness

As we wrap up our 2023 Random Acts of Kindness Community Contest after meeting our three winners, chosen by the community, we are in awe! The winners demonstrate selflessness, perseverance, and kindness; they come from all walks of life, and are sharing kindness in all different ways. We are honored to play a small part in recognizing their remarkable efforts.

We received a great response in nominations and voting from the community, and three winners were identified from the Washington County community.

The winners of the 2023 CHROME Federal Credit Union Random Acts of Kindness Contest are:

FIRST PLACE, Dana Engle Miller - Dana, owner of Art on the Avenue, was nominated by multiple community members for her selfless acts of kindness toward others and for giving back to the community. One nomination shared how Dana called all of the local schools in her area of Washington and paid off student's delinquent lunch balances.

Dana's sister told us, "There is so much she does that people don't even know about." For the $1000 donation in her name from CHROME, Dana chose the Washington Salvation Army and American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania.

RUNNER-UP, Melanie Wolfe - "Melanie does not just run Community Circle Food pantry where she treats every client that comes into the pantry with kindness and respect, she goes beyond. She is always looking out for others whether it’s listening, or looking for resources for people who need assistance. She also supports other non-profits with gift baskets as well as individuals who are having fundraisers for family members who are sick, and families who have lost their homes to fire. Melanie is always willing to help others and she doesn’t ask for recognition."?

For the $600 donation in her name from CHROME, Melanie chose the Community Circle Food Pantry.

RUNNER-UP, Patrick Weldon - Patrick is a sophomore at Seton LaSelle High School, and was nominated for the kindness he spreads to elders in his community. After volunteering for Meals on Wheels, he was inspired to start sending cards with personal artwork to hospitals throughout the entire southwestern PA area and additionally, senior care facilities with the hope to brighten someone’s day. Patrick's kindness inspired other students to get involved. To date, they have delivered over 12,000 cards to senior citizens for various holidays!?

"It feels really nice to be able to help people,"?says Patrick. For the $600 donation in his name from CHROME, Patrick chose the Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging, Inc and Shepherd's Heart Fellowship & Veteran's Home.

“Today, we look for ways to perform random acts of kindness. We don’t let doing our job get in the way of getting to know you. We work to ensure every interaction you have with CHROME or one of our team is positive and fully meets your expectations. That is our commitment to the community and our members.” Robert Flanyak, President & CEO of CHROME Federal Credit Union

CHROME Federal Credit Union understands the invaluable role kindness plays in enabling positive change, this comes through with this contest as well as CHROME’s employee efforts in the community during RAK week (February 13-17) and all year long. This year the employees got out in their neighborhoods delivering kindness in the forms playing charades at a senior center, used and new book donations to the local library, leaving quarters at the laundromat, thanking first responders, local school teachers and faculty, and so much more!

Are you wondering how to get involved in random acts of kindness? Follow us on Facebook for future community events, activities, and next year's contest nomination period. If you want to get started now, check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation for kindness ideas at school, home and work!

"How do we change the world? One Random Act of Kindness at a time." Morgan Freeman

To see the whole RAK Week journey and photos, visit our event page here.