When we help people in need, we gain so much more than we give. Together, we can see the positive impact of our actions. Just as importantly, we can feel it. 

I am fortunate to lead an organization that fulfills its mission by providing life-enhancing services throughout the Capital Region. CAP COM’s focus on service enables us to understand the challenges people face, so we can provide practical solutions with friendly guidance.  

On a summer day, strolling with some of our favorite people in Troy, New York, is one way we march forward together. At the Walk For Wishes, dozens of CAP COM employees and their families raised money for a great cause and we also celebrated the success of our raffle benefiting Make-A-Wish Northeast New York earlier this year. Plus, we had a blast!  

We love supporting Make-A-Wish to help transform the dreams of children struggling with critical illnesses into memorable experiences. The lengths to which this organization goes to create magical moments for children is an inspiration.  

When a child’s face lights up with a smile, all is well with the world. Each time I meet a Make-A-Wish child, I marvel at how so much innocent joy can coexist with such courage.  

As you can imagine, requests from kids to Make-A-Wish run the gamut, ranging from toys to travel and everything in between. Five-year-old Carlie Santiago of Amsterdam is one of the kids whose wish we helped support. Carlie came to CAP COM headquarters recently and “test drove” her wish. It was a custom-built stroller, designed to help her get around more comfortably.

The daily realities of these kids and their families put our own challenges in perspective. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house that day (though some wouldn’t admit it).  

It’s one thing to raise money for a cause. When we leap into action together, we share so much more. Being there for each other is what really matters. I believe that’s what community is all about.  

Chris McKenna is the CEO of CAP COM Federal Credit Union and Chair of the CAP COM Cares Foundation.