Proving that unified efforts produce remarkable results, United Way’s partnership with Wells Fargo exemplifies a commitment to achieve positive community outcomes. Wells Fargo’s participation in the Financial Capability Network supports United Way’s RealSense initiative which assists families in achieving financial stability through financial education, counseling, and tax preparation services.

However, Wells Fargo’s impact on the community goes beyond providing financial guidance. Through the dedicated volunteer work of their individual team members, Wells Fargo gives back to the community in unique ways.

Several years ago, Pat Studer, a Wells Fargo team member, started knitting hats for homeless children in Jacksonville as her way of giving back to the community. Over the years, Pat has completed an astounding 5,000 hats. For the children who receive them, Pat believes the hats represent something more meaningful: a choice. Many of us take for granted the simple pleasure of having a choice over the style and color of the garments we wear. Pat provides these children with the opportunity to choose a color and style of their liking, a modest but powerful act.

She says, “Sometimes it takes them a few minutes because it’s important to them.” A dedicated volunteer, Pat continues to provide more than 200 knit hats a year. Each hat takes about an hour, and Pat crafts about five hats a day while watching her favorite television shows. What is her reward? She says it’s the heartfelt experience of watching the faces of the children as they pick out their hat.