Community members in De Soto were taken by surprise on July 30 as representatives from Midwest BankCentre took to the streets, handing out cash.
It was all part of the bank’s bi-annual Give Joy event, something they have done for years, but this is the first time it’s taken place in De Soto.
“We got to go out to the community and just hand out little cards and some cash, hoping to make people’s days look just a little better,” said Jacie Coleman, manager of the De Soto branch.
“They’re so surprised thinking, ‘What’s the catch to this?’ I’m like, ‘It’s yours. It’s free. We just want to make your day.’”
Debbie Oshea was out shopping on Main Street in the afternoon when she was approached.
“It was a surprise. It made me smile and made me happy,” Oshea said. “I’ve never had anything like that happen before.”
Over the course of two hours, the bank handed out envelopes with $5 or $10 in cash to community members; no strings were attached.
Over all, they handed out $500 in total to business owners, shoppers and pedestrians. Several of the representatives even spotted folks they knew as customers at the bank.
Coleman says that community connection is especially important for a bank in a small town like De Soto.
“Banks play an important role in small towns, especially for small businesses,” she said. “De Soto is made up of pretty much all small businesses, nonprofits and churches.
“If it wasn’t for the small businesses, we wouldn’t be here.”
Coleman also said the event carried extra significance right now as many people are facing economic strains.
“Times are hard right now for everyone,” she said. “Everyone seems like they’re struggling one way or another, so hopefully doing this just kind of puts a smile on their face and just makes everyone’s day.”