Sunmark Foundation Wraps Up Fifth Summer of Kindness

The Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation wrapped up its fifth annual Summer of Kindness, a signature initiative designed to build meaningful connections and create positive change in our local communities. Over the summer, the Foundation partnered with local organizations and nonprofits to host a series of programs designed to support educators, inspire youth, and bring communities together: 

• Teacher Supply Drive – In a continuation of WNYT’s Teacher Supply Surprise, Sunmark hosted a classroom supply collection to deliver essential resources to local classrooms and ensure teachers have the tools to help students succeed.  

• Fishing with Firemen – In collaboration with the City of Schenectady Fire Department, this event introduced families to fishing while fostering trust and friendships between children, parents, and first responders. Sunmark was on site to assist and serve breakfast and lunch to attendees. 

• Ignite! with Girls Inc. – Sunmark hosted sixth and seventh graders from Girls Inc. as part of their Ignite! program, focusing on financial literacy education, exposure to the financial services industry, and providing mentorship opportunities. 

• PlayStreets – Sunmark joined The City of Albany for their PlayStreets event at Buckingham Pond Park, providing hands-on fishing lessons with over 20 free fishing poles given away to local families. 

• National Night Out – Sunmark volunteers participated at multiple locations throughout the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. Children created hand-drawn thank-you cards for first responders, which were later delivered to police, fire, and emergency personnel as a gesture of appreciation. 

“Sunmark believes deeply in the credit union philosophy of people helping people, and nothing illustrates that belief better than our Foundation’s commitment to community,” said Audrey Stone, Community Engagement Program Manager at Sunmark Credit Union. “Summer of Kindness goes beyond financial contributions, it’s about volunteering, collaboration, and investing in sustainable community partnerships.” 

The Summer of Kindness campaign began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to address emerging community needs. Since then, it has grown into a cornerstone program that also invites children up to age 12 to “deposit kindness” by submitting their own ideas for community improvement. Selected ideas are brought to life through coordinated volunteer projects, ensuring that residents play an active role in shaping stronger, more connected communities. 

Now in its fifth year, the campaign highlights the Foundation’s long-term commitment to social responsibility and the power of collaboration. By focusing on education, youth development, and community engagement, Sunmark continues to demonstrate how collective efforts can create lasting impact across the region. 

For more information about the Summer of Kindness program and past Kindness Projects, visit www.sunmark.org/kindness. 

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