LEMAY, Mo. — In the aisles at the grocery store to the register at the dollar store, Midwest Bank Centre employees were hitting all the stops to make people smile this holiday season.
They were giving cash out to hundreds unexpectedly across Lemay through their Give Joy program.
"I was just stunned," said recipient Shanon Childress. "I didn't understand what was happening. I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude ... and very thankful."
Finding people in the parking lot and at the gas pump, they even stopped at Denny's to take care of brunch for families being served and those doing the serving.
"It's wonderful," Denny's manager Jamie Reddick said. "My staff comes in every day. They work hard. They put in a lot of hours. We're kind of short-staffed around the holidays. 10, 15, 20 dollars goes a long way you know when you don't have it."
Midwest Bank Centre has been spreading joy in this way since 2018 as part of its Diversity, Inclusion, Culture & Engagement efforts. They've now reached thousands in their branch communities all across the St. Louis region.
One of the best parts -- staff can put the money toward any need they see fit.
"We started this program as a way to give our team members a chance to connect the communities we serve outside of the work that we do every day in the branches," said Nicole Ursch, senior vice president at Midwest BankCentre. "I think just acknowledging someone. Seeing someone and giving them just a little joy, a little blessing can go a little long way in their day."
In a season that can be bright for some, and dim for others, it's a subtle, yet significant gesture.
