First United Bank of McKinney is celebrating its fifth annual United Acts of Kindness Day by asking staff, residents and community partners to commit 1 million acts of kindness on Feb. 14.

“Think what it would be like if everyone in the community knew it was United Acts of Kindness Day and acted on it together,” said Mariann Lawson, director of Spend Life Wisely Integration. “[Imagine] the change that would happen in that community.”

The bank has locations across Texas and Oklahoma, and its McKinney locations are at 1700 Redbud Blvd., Ste. 130, and 6401 S. Custer Road, Ste. 100. On Friday, Feb. 14, all First United Bank locations will participate in United Acts of Kindness Day.

“It's a day where we encourage our community and partners to get involved in doing some type of act of kindness,” Vice President Denise Steller said.

In past years, First United Bank staff have partnered with local coffee shops to buy coffee for the first 100 people in line, passed out dog treats at a dog park and ridden with police cars to pass out gift cards instead of speeding tickets. Bank staff have also volunteered at food pantries, homeless shelters and other community outreach programs. In 2024, the organization reached 784,000 acts of kindness.

However, these random acts of kindness don’t have to cost money and are specific to each community’s needs.

“It can be something as simple as holding the door open or sending out cards to people who you haven't talked to in a while,” Steller said. “Maybe it's a company sending out appreciation letters to all their clients, just saying thank you. It doesn’t have to cost you anything.”

In 2024, the bank worked with the Allen Kiwanis Club to prepare 3,894 meals for the Kids Against Hunger organization. The Kiwanis Club provided all the supplies and volunteers, and a team from First United Bank of McKinney assisted in food preparation in the lobby as part of the United Acts of Kindness service project.

“It was truly rewarding to see the impact we were able to make on so many lives,” Steller said.

Steller said that in 2025, the goal is to involve external partners in the community and align activities with the four pillars: faith, financial well-being, health & wellness and personal growth. Ideas include hosting a Bible study, organizing a blood drive, volunteering at Meals on Wheels or Community Lifeline Center, and providing meals to those in need. The event will be held on Valentine's Day, focusing on love and community engagement.

“The impact of those acts [of kindness] is an immeasurable thing,” Marketing Representative Penny Ives said. “It goes far beyond those who receive acts of kindness that day. I think it strengthens the bonds we have in our communities, it uplifts spirits, it supports those who are in need— it's something we see ripples from.”

Residents who are interested in participating in this year’s United Acts of Kindness Day can sign up and log their acts of kindness at First United Bank’s website.

“You never know the kind of day someone's having and the inspiration that one small thing can do to change that day for them.” Lawson said.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.