The Pittsburgh Steelers recently launched the Steelers VEBT Relief Program, a new initiative that relieves $100-thousand in debt for local veterans with each team victory. For the program, the Steelers have partnered up with Verizon and are working with the debt relief company ForgiveCo. So far they’ve managed to eliminate $600-thousand in debt following their six wins. The effort is specifically targeting veterans in southwestern Pennsylvania, where vets carry a collective debt of over $10-million.
ForgiveCo uses a "random acts of kindness" model to identify veterans in need, meaning recipients don’t have to apply; instead, the relief comes as an unexpected gift. One of the vets who’s already had his debt paid off through the program, Bryce Vargo, a Marine Corps vet from West Mifflin, was surprised to discover his $66-hundred debt had been cleared. He initially thought it might be a scam, but soon realized it was real and describes the windfall as life-changing.
Vargo shares that his debt was costing him $400 a month, adding stress to his life and stretching his finances thin. Now debt-free, he expressed gratitude, saying it’s given him a new sense of freedom and is allowing him to focus on living and enjoying life more. With nine games left in the regular season, the Steelers and their fans are optimistic that the organization will have more wins and more opportunities to help other local vets in need.
Source: SUNNY SKYZ
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