(From left) Tash Glenn, Brenda Bradford and Heather Ross of the Nursing Network
Employee outreach in the community occurs year-round, but during the holiday season efforts to help those less fortunate go above and beyond. This year’s Holly Days program – which has been a part of the holiday tradition at HUP for more than 20 years -- filled “wish lists” for 22 families at Interim House, a shelter for women and children, as well as for 34 vets from The Veterans Group home. Employees also helped homeless teens at the Covenant House, donating $3,500 in gift cards.
“Every year the donations never cease to amaze me,” said Phyllis Murray of Administration who takes the lead on this outreach effort. “Employees take care of their own families and their patients but they still want to do for others.”
Also under the umbrella of Holly Days is the outreach to seniors at the Centennial Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center. “This year we ‘adopted’ 51 seniors, specifically those with little or no family contact,” said Pam Mack-Brooks, who oversees the HUP Community Health Outreach Program. “We wanted to bring some joy to them, to let them know that they are not forgotten and that Penn cares!”
And a big thank you to members of Materials Management who once again made all of the Holly Days deliveries.
Smaller outreach efforts occurred throughout the hospital. Case Management and Social Work rallied their staff to raise $350 in gift cards for the Covenant House. “We offered an incentive – a $5 donation received a beautiful origami crane made specially by Lee Vuotto!” said Deborah Lowenstein.
CHOP patients once again received oodles of presents thanks to Pathology and Lab Medicine, who collected so many toys, games, and gift cards that “we need a whole army to bring them over!” said Richard Panak. “We collected a little over 220 gifts and $230 worth of gift cards!” The Nursing Network Center came through again for residents of the Lutheran Settlement House/Jane Addams Place, a temporary housing facility for families in West Philadelphia. “We wanted to create warm and happy memories for the mothers and children there,” said Brenda Bradford. Toys, clothing, hat and gloves, toiletries – everything to make the holiday more special.
Penn Medicine’s annual “Turkey Toss” sponsored by the South of South Neighborhood Association donated more than 500 frozen turkeys to families and seniors in the area. And more than 100 employees from throughout UPHS wrapped presents or served a delicious meal at Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s holiday party.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to making the holidays a truly special time for so many.