CLINTON, IOWA – In the middle of winter, local news broke about a horrific scene of neglected and abused pit bulls in Clinton, Iowa that captivated the attention of many throughout the region.  The Clinton Humane Society took in the eight dogs right away and have been nursing them back to health, but the non-profit organization needed help as well.

“When something like this happens, it puts a big strain on us financially with vet bills and things like that, we need even more help and more support,” said Jennifer Gerdes, Operations Manager of the Clinton Humane Society.  “It can be overwhelming.  We’re a 501c3 so we’re non-profit.  We rely very greatly on our donations and sponsorships.”

Like many who were moved in the community, Ascentra Credit Union staff felt it was important to do their part, especially during a time of need.  As part of a bigger project for International Pay it Forward Day, a group from Ascentra went to the Clinton Humane Society to show the dogs some love, and also brought with them a check for $500 to help offset the mounting costs for the organization. 

“While it may not cover all of the mounting costs, we know any little bit helps,” said Jennifer Naeve, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascentra. “This is just one of many ways we are celebrating Pay it Forward Day and on April 28, the whole region will see how these random acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on our communities.”

From Clinton to the Quad Cities and down to Muscatine, Ascentra has been busy surprising shoppers, teachers, students, and organizations by paying for their groceries, coffee, and much more.  Inspiration for these kind gestures was from the popular music video “God’s Plan” from Grammy award-winning artist Drake, in which he gives away all of the money that was budgeted for his video.

These special moments were captured into a lively video that will be released on International Pay it Forward Day, April 28, and will be posted on Ascentra’s social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.  Leading up to April 28, Ascentra has been releasing short, sneak peek videos and behind-the-scenes footage on their social media. 

Just as the people at Ascentra were inspired, they hope it sparks a movement in the community and encourages everyone to share with them how they are paying it forward by using the hashtags #Ascentra and #PayItForward.

About Ascentra:                                                                            

Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $414 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, Le Claire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org.  Follow Ascentra on Facebook, Twitter @ascentra, Instagram @ascentracu and on YouTube. 

Support the River Cities' Reader

Get 12 Reader issues mailed monthly for $48/year.

Old School Subscription for Your Support

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Old School Subscribe now.



Help Keep the Reader Alive and Free Since '93!

 

"We're the River Cities' Reader, and we've kept the Quad Cities' only independently owned newspaper alive and free since 1993.

So please help the Reader keep going with your one-time, monthly, or annual support. With your financial support the Reader can continue providing uncensored, non-scripted, and independent journalism alongside the Quad Cities' area's most comprehensive cultural coverage." - Todd McGreevy, Publisher