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Random Acts of Kindness Contest Spotlights Community Members
At CHROME Federal Credit Union, we believe in the power of kindness and its ability to strengthen communities. Whether through small gestures or grand initiatives, we are committed to positively impacting the lives of our members, employees, and neighbors. One of the many ways we bring this vision to life is through our participation in the Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Foundation Annual RAK Week, an annual event encouraging everyone to “make kindness the norm” through small, unexpected acts of kindness.
This annual event took place February 10-15, 2025. As part of our RAK Week efforts, we invited the community to nominate and vote for individuals who exemplify kindness, compassion, and selflessness in the Random Acts of Kindness contest. Those who nominated this year’s contenders shared stories of each nominee. Although each story was different, they all had the same result, showing that everyday actions inspire and remind us that small, meaningful gestures make a big impact. This year, we had the privilege of recognizing four incredible individuals.
2025 Random Acts of Kindness Winners
First Place: Melanie Wolfe
Melanie was honored for her unwavering commitment and support to tackle the food insecurity problems in Washington County. As the Director of Community Circle Food Pantry, she is making a lasting impact on the many she and her volunteers serve. Community Circle Food Pantry is located at 70 E Beau St. Warehouse 1 in Downtown Washington. Her dedication embodies the true spirit of this initiative.
“Randomness is going beyond the scope of what is expected. As the Director of Community Circle Food Pantry, Melanie goes beyond the boundaries of her role. She takes food to people's houses who can’t make it to the pantry. She will personally purchase items for the pantry so that clients have things they need. Melanie will make Chinese auction baskets for others and attends functions to help out others in the Community. Melanie has gave money to people in stores to help purchase their items, and will find resources for people who are struggling. She however doesn’t do these things for recognition, she is a behind the scenes kind of person. She’s a kind, considerate and loving person who has even let people put tents up in her yard when they were homeless. I could go on but I think you get the point.”
Melanie chose the Community Circle Food Pantry to receive the $1,000 donation in her name.
Barbara Cianelli
Barbara’s acts of kindness were recognized by the work she does for the Marianna community. Barbara works with families to help organize veteran street banners, she can be found at the legion, Children’s Hospital, and volunteer fire company organizing donations. Barbara also helps her elderly community by picking up groceries or other healthcare items, she is always willing to step in and help where she is needed.
"My mother is always helping out our community. She helps the elderly who can't do it for themselves. She helped organize the veteran flags on our street. She organized and helped at the legion, and fire company, and organized donations to the Children's Hospital. She is always willing to step in and help where she is needed. "
Barbara chose the Marianna Volunteer Fire Company in memory of Dwane Kint to receive the $600 donation in her name.
Mark Duffy
Mark was recognized for his incredible efforts in their communities, demonstrating the essence of what it means to give back. Mark can be described as the most selfless person anyone knows. Even though Mark suffers from Charcot Marie tooth Syndrome, he doesn’t let that stop him from serving others and launching the nonprofit, 25FORTYPGH. Whether it’s a stranger on the street or someone through his church, he is always finding ways to give of himself to support the community and inspiring others to do the same.
"Mark Duffy, Duffy, as his friends call him is the most selfless person we know. Even though he suffers from Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome, he is constantly serving others. It doesn't matter if he is helping a stranger on the street or someone through his church, Duffy is always putting others first. I know no one as giving as him."
Mark chose 25FORTYPGH to receive the $600 donation in his name.
YOUNG KINDNESS LEADER
This year, we also awarded the first Young Kindness Leader Award to celebrate young changemakers who are making a difference.
Lily, an 11-year-old fifth grader from Peters Twp. School District was the first recipient of this special award. She was nominated for her hosting the first annual Childhood Inclusion Pageant in her hometown. A heartwarming event designed to celebrate children of all abilities and promote inclusivity. Her leadership and compassion at such a young age is truly inspiring.
"From a vision to reality, Lily D'Antonio a 10 year old 5th Grader from McMurray Elementary, hosted a successful first annual Childhood Inclusion Pageant in her hometown of McMurray, Pa. Shortly after earning the title of 2024 Miss Little Italy Pre-Teen in August at the Bloomfield Little Italy Days, she was determined to carry out an opportunity for children and teens with disabilities so that they too could feel as special and as beautiful as she did that day. On January 18, 2025 fourteen participants, ages 6 to 20, from surrounding communities gathered to receive red carpet treatment and showcase their beauty with nearly 200 guests in attendance. Due to the support of Lily's family, friends, and community, she was able to raise over $4,000.Proceeds were donated to the Peters Township School District Best Buddies Chapter at Pleasant Valley Elementary, The Children’s Home and Lemieux Family Center, and Miracle Maddie Whipp’s Rocking Designer Genes Buddy Walk. "
Lily chose the Miracle League of Southwestern PA to receive a $250 donation in her name.
At CHROME Federal Credit Union, we are proud to recognize everyday heroes and young leaders who make our communities stronger, kinder, and more connected. Their actions remind us that kindness is contagious, and even the smallest gestures can create ripples of positivity.
We look forward to continuing this tradition and celebrating more incredible individuals next year. If you know someone who embodies the spirit of kindness, be sure to nominate them when we kick off RAK Week again in February 2026.
CHROME Employees Get Out in the Community to Spread Kindness
Throughout the week, teams of CHROME employees fanned out in the community with various acts of kindness, spreading positivity everywhere they went. Our Human Resources team handed out goodie bags to employees and branch members, bringing smiles to those who make serving our nearly 14,000 CHROME members possible. The Loan Process and Accounting teams showed appreciation for the hardworking staff at Transitions Healthcare treating them to a delicious meal. To share some Valentine’s Day joy, all three branches hosted a Valentine’s gift basket giveaway for our members.
Our commitment to supporting local healthcare facilities continued as employees delivered a care package to North Strabane Rehabilitation & Wellness Center and snacks to Good Samaritan Hospice House. At Avalon Public Library and Canon-McMillan Library, CHROME employees placed kindness bookmarks in random books, offering an unexpected moment of inspiration for readers. We also participated in Tuesday Storytimes at the Citizens Library & District Center, where we read to the attending children, painted polar bears, and sent them home with a DIY STEM experiment kit from the book So Cold” by John Coy.
To show appreciation for our local law enforcement, we delivered snacks to officers at the City of Washington Police Department, South Strabane Township Police Department, North Strabane Township Police Department, and Pennsylvania State Police, Troop B. At each of our branches, we found sweet ways to treat our members—offering smiley cookies at Racetrack Rd, donuts at Wexford, and a waffle bar at Washington. Our Washington Branch also handed out flowers for Valentine’s Day, while our Lending team spread kindness at Hawthorne Woods Assisted Living by visiting with residents.
Educators play a crucial role in shaping our future, and we wanted to show our gratitude. We surprised the teachers and staff at Burgettstown Area School District Elementary with a goody basket from Kaufman Family Marketplace. Our Hiller Vault student branch took the time to pass out Valentine’s Day cards to the Trinity Area School District staff, recognizing their dedication and hard work.
Animals deserve kindness too, so we visited Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, donating dog treats and food while getting to meet some of the animals in their care. Additionally, our HR team hosted a "Lunch and Learn" on stress relief, providing employees with valuable strategies to manage stress in their daily lives.
Through these thoughtful acts, CHROME Federal Credit Union demonstrated our unwavering commitment to kindness and community, reminding everyone that even small gestures can make a meaningful impact.
Together, we can make the world a little brighter—one act of kindness at a time!