COLUMBUS, Ohio — As part of its Gift of Home Program, national mortgage lender Envoy Mortgage is surprising families across the country with one free mortgage payment.

Its most recent visit was to southeast Columbus on Thursday. 

Philip and Katrina Wainwright were very surprised and taken back by the generosity of their lender. The couple closed on their home last summer. 

Envoy said the payment is a way to show gratitude to customers who have worked in service to their community. 

Katrina Wainwright is a former Columbus City Schools cafeteria worker who is pursuing a career as a medical administrative assistant, and Philip is a retired U.S. Army veteran. 

The Wainwrights, who have three sons and 19 grandchildren, said the extra money will make their holiday season a little brighter, and it will perhaps give them a much-needed escape. 

“I told Phil, ‘why don't we go and take a trip.’ I need a trip, I need a vacation, especially after school because I will receive my certification in February,” said Katrina Wainwright. “But I'm ready for a vacation and this will be very, very helpful.” 

Envoy Mortgage is providing the Gift of Home mortgage payment to 50 of its customers across the country this year, with as much as $3,000 per household.