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Inspiration

One wish can make a difference

rom the earliest civilizations, people have cel- in a note tucked into a white envelope. So did their three
ebrated the return of light to the world in children. And this grew into a tradition that became the
December, and diverse traditions have evolved. highlight of their holiday.
F One popular tradition today is gift giving, which
is now more critical than ever. Many in the payments One Christmas, Nancy was grieving, because Mike had
industry adapted to the extraordinary conditions thrown passed away. She continued the tradition anyway, placing
at us and are faring well this holiday season; other folks a white envelope on the tree. Then on Christmas Day,
are not. Too many workers have suffered job losses; too three more envelopes appeared on the tree, one from each
many families have lost loved ones to COVID-19. of their children. The family continues the tradition to this
day and hopes future generations will keep it growing.
This reminds me of Nancy W. Gavin, who started the
White Envelope Project. She didn't intend to start a project Giving to those who move us
of any kind. She just wanted to give her husband, Mike, This is just one family's story spurred by one man's wish
a meaningful gift, because he abhorred the commercial to improve the lives of youngsters who passed briefly
aspects of Christmas celebrations. through his life. Imagine what would happen if we all did
Giving to one who doesn't want presents something similar, something in addition to dropping a
gift off at a holiday toy drive, donating canned goods to
An idea came to her after she and her husband attended a food bank or writing a check to a favorite charity. These
a wrestling competition. Their son's school had spiffy kinds of donations are essential, but if we make a point of
uniforms, new shoes and helmets. The competing team noticing people or groups in need who affect us deeply
had no uniforms or protective gear. Their shoes were worn during the course of a year, and do something to make a
out street shoes. At the end of the event, the disadvantaged difference to just one of them, it could add many positive
team hadn't won a single match. Mike expressed how sad dimensions to the holidays.
he was about this and how much he wished he could
change prospects for the competing team. We are in the business of enhancing people's lives by
improving transaction processing and facilitating a host
On Christmas Day, a slim, white enveloped for Mike was of business services. Beyond that, we are as diverse as the
tucked amid ornaments on the tree. Inside was a note stars above. We can each decide what we want to do to
telling him Nancy had purchased a slew of uniforms, shine more light on the world.
headgear and shoes and shipped them, in his name, to
the losing team. This brought him so much happiness that
she donated goods to causes that were meaningful to him
each following year. He read about them each Christmas
Kate Gillespie, President and CEO

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