PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga.– – Two Associated Credit Union employees serendipitously received kids’ pajamas after their little loved ones had unexpected pediatric hospital stays.
The Associated Credit Union Foundation had hosted its first PJ Pack Drive in May to help local families in need. While both employees had donated items, neither the organization nor employees had any idea how close to home this cause would mean, the credit union noted.
Financial Services Representative Ashley Castaneda, who has been with Associated Credit Union for one year, and Executive Administrator Glenda Ricker, who has been with Associated Credit Union for 40 years, both donated items because they love giving back to their community, but they never thought they would actually become families in need and learn just what a significant impact a simple pair of pajamas can have.
The credit union said Ashley thought her two-year-old son Matteo just had allergies, but tje doctor visit quickly led to an urgent care visit and then an ambulance ride to the hospital, where Matteo stayed for three days with respiratory syncytial virus that resulted in a severe asthma attack and cardiac arrest.
Focusing on her son and his health, Ashley hadn’t thought about bringing extra clothes, so when the hospital offered a PJ pack, she felt relieved she didn’t have to leave her son to return home. And when Matteo changed into the monkey and construction themed pajamas, she noticed an immediate difference.
“He smiled for the first time since it all happened,” Castaneda said. “He finally felt comfortable and safe, and he started acting like himself again.”
Similarly, Ricker thought her three-year-old grandson Brody felt happy and healthy until he experienced severe stomach pains, which led to an ambulance ride to the hospital, where Brody stayed for two days with elevated liver counts. Ricker’s family also hadn’t prepared for a sudden hospital stay, but as Brody changed into the dinosaur themed pajamas, he felt excited to have his own clean clothes.
“I can personally say what a blessing our employees and members have been to others,” Ricker said.
As a result of the PJ Pack Drive, the Associated Credit Union Foundation collected and donated 816 pajama packs to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in Atlanta and Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta. Both Associated Credit Union employees and members contributed items for newborn up to age 21, including diapers, underwear, socks, pajamas and loungewear.