ROCHELLE — Rock Valley Credit Union employees were on hand Friday at The Cypress House giving away one free drink to anybody that stopped in as part of Random Acts of Kindness Week. 

RVCU spent last week surprising area nonprofits and organizations with donations and more. The program is in its third year.

“On Monday, we started with donations at Rock House kids to benefit inner city kids in Rockford,” RVCU Director of Community Outreach Ana Montoya said. “On Tuesday we were at the Veterans Home. We dropped off hats, blankets and socks. On Wednesday we went to Rockford Sexual Assault Counseling Center to drop off toys for the children that they serve. Yesterday we were at the Goldie B. Floberg Center dropping off sporting goods and things for disabled children to do during the summer months.”

The week ended with spreading community cheer at The Cypress House. Owner Krista Stewart enjoyed having RCVU on hand Friday. 

“It's a tremendous help,” Stewart said. “We've had people call from Belvidere this morning that didn't know we're here. Just getting people in the door that maybe weren't planning to stop today. They come in and see all the other items we have to offer.” 

Early in the day Friday, Stewart said she’s already seen about 30 customers and had no idea how many more the day would bring. 

“We appreciate something like this after all the difficulties that have been going on in the last couple of years with all the COVID-19 restrictions and things like that,” Stewart said. “I feel like our community has really come together and supported one another during that time.” 

RVCU also spent the week challenging others in the community to do a random act of kindness for somebody else. 

“It could be something like holding the door open for someone, giving a smile back, a thank you, paying for the person behind you in the drive thru,” Montoya said. “Just one kind gesture really goes a long way. You never know what that person is going through. You might be that person that changes their whole day."

Montoya called the week humbling and heartwarming and was thankful to the nonprofits for their work and being able to be a part of it. 

"Just do one kind thing today, whatever that looks like in your capacity, just do it,” Montoya said.