Local Organization Values Hospitality

SC Federal Credit Union Helps McLeod Provide a Home Away from Home for Families

Medical crises are often frightening times for families. This anxiety is only magnified when they are far from home.

To help families facing this difficult circumstance, a dedicated group of McLeod Foundation donors funded construction of The Guest House at McLeod. Since 1995, the Guest House has provided a home away from home for families traveling long distances for their loved one’s care, and for those facing sudden medical emergencies while on the road.

Understanding the value of community and hospitality, SC Federal Credit Union has been a generous supporter of The Guest House at McLeod since 2020.

“Credit unions tend to be locally focused,” explained Robert Harris, a SC Federal Credit Union Executive. “So, our support of the Guest House and its patients is a natural fit. When we learned it needed repairs and renovation, SC Federal decided to help financially.”

But, it was a recent personal experience that truly drove home the importance of the Guest House for Robert.

Robert’s beloved wife, Sandra, was diagnosed with cancer and treated at the McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research. She began telling Robert about the difficulties she heard other patients describing – everyday challenges around accessing transportation to and from treatment. As Florence natives, Robert and Sandra took that for granted.

“I was physically and emotionally drained,” Sandra recalled. “I do not even want to think about how much more difficult recovery would have been if we lived out of town and had to travel for my treatment.”

With Robert’s encouragement, SC Federal Credit Union now contributes annually to the Guest House, ensuring that families receive convenient, comfortable, and safe lodging while facing medical emergencies.

“The Guest House is an unsung hero -- a part of the higher level of service that you expect from McLeod,” Robert says. “It really is a godsend for families in need of this special home away from home.”