INB recently wrapped up a week of community events, culminating in a day of Random Acts of Kindness (RAOK) by our staff.  Some branches surprised customers with cash, others gift cards. Here are a few stories that explain why a random encounter can go a long way.

Facebook Shout Out

Riverton Teller Supervisor Courtney Tolley really enjoyed one reaction that a customer shared on Facebook. Courtney says, “RAOK day is one of my favorites because I truly love being able to make people’s day, and I really think (this customer) appreciated it.”

Courtney’s colleague, Teller Megan (Mackenzie) Hayes, had a totally different experience: Near the end of the day, she sent a RAOK card out through the drive. The customer “dinged” the help button and said  that he had just lost his job and his other bank’s debit card and how much he truly needed this that day. “It melted my heart and reminded me on why we do these kind acts!”

Main Drives Teller Garrett Soliday had a similar, emotional experience. “We had a customer who was having a really bad day, and getting a gift card really cheered her up. It looked like she was about to cry . . . it was nice to help.”

Getting More than Giving

Mt. Pulaski’s Branch Operation Officer Marcy Smock proves we have the best customers around.  One winner mailed a thank you note, saying he “paid it forward” by making a donation to a family in need of tuition assistance at Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pulaski. And another made calzones for the INB staff as a lunch-time surprise. As Marcy says, “So yummy and very sweet of her to do that!!”

Mt. Pulaski and Riverton Branch Manager Dee Anderson says she got more than she gave throughout the day.  “The smiles that I got to see when a teller handed a customer a RAOK envelope was uplifting. When the customer opened it to find the bank was giving away money, they really lit up. One guy had asked his wife for $10 that morning, and he said now he could go home and give her the $10 back!  He said that never happens, and she will wonder what was wrong with him!”

In addition to Random Acts of Kindness, INB’s Community Appreciation Week (Oct. 1 – 5) included a day to spin our prize wheel. “Customers enjoyed spinning the wheel to get a prize,” Dee says.

Bloomington Starts Little Hats Off Right 

In Bloomington, INB’s week of activities included a “How To” session to kick off our sponsorship of Little Hats, Big Hearts (LHBH) in Central Illinois.  Community Relationship Banker Noelle Barnes says, “We had one lady come in following the knitting and crocheting event who asked if she could pick up more yarn and patterns. She mentioned that she was a home economics teacher at local community school who was having a group of her students make some hats for LHBH. She stated it was an extra credit opportunity and she had an overwhelming amount of students wanting to participate not only for the extra credit but, also because of the cause itself. “

Noelle continues: “Another event that really stood out to me was our Shred Event. Fifteen minutes before starting, we had a line past the parking lot full of community members wanting to. I was extremely surprised by how many members of the Bloomington-Normal community donated to LHBH. We had many of the participants thank us personally for providing a free community event and even asked if we would be continuing the event annually. Additionally, many participants praised INB for being a sponsor of the LHBH campaign and providing the supplies for them to participate.”

INB will use money collected at all 11 shred events to buy yarn for those wishing to donate their time making red hats for the newborns.  You can pick up yarn at any INB location; return completed hats to any of our branch lobbies.