Brighten Your Day

Steelers' Winning Streak Wipes Out $600,000 In Debt For Local Veterans

November 9, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have joined forces with Verizon to launch the Steelers VEBT Relief Program, an effort that erases $100,000 in debt for local veterans with each win this season.

The Steelers are paying off veteran debts

By partnering with ForgiveCo, a leader in debt relief, this program is already making an enormous impact.

With six wins under their belt, the Steelers have erased a staggering $600,000 in debt for veterans across southwestern Pennsylvania—where veterans collectively carry over $10 million in debt.

Veterans in need are identified through ForgiveCo’s “random acts of kindness” model, eliminating the need for applications and bringing relief directly to deserving individuals.

via Steelers.com

One of the beneficiaries of this program, 43-year-old Bryce Vargo, recently received a life-changing surprise: his $6,651 in debt was wiped away. Vargo, a Marine Corps veteran from West Mifflin, was initially skeptical, assuming the good news was a scam.

“I thought it was junk mail or a scam,” he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. However, once the reality set in, Vargo was flooded with relief. “It’s hard to put into words. Who does this? And I’m wondering, ‘why me?’”

Before this intervention, Vargo’s monthly debt payments cost him $400, stretching his finances thin and adding stress to his life. Now, with that burden lifted, he’s able to focus on enjoying life and living without the weight of debt holding him back.

“It has given me the freedom to focus on living my life and enjoying moments without that heavy burden,” he shared.

With nine regular season games remaining, the Steelers have ample opportunities to increase their impact on local veterans.