As the temperature drops, individuals struggling with poverty or homelessness often struggle with staying warm. But thanks to a clothing drive organized by the Pennsylvania Hospital’s Cultural and Community Awareness Council (CCAC) and Hall-Mercer Community Behavioral Health Center, underserved members of our community don’t have to worry about warmth fitting into their budget.
Led by co-chairs Brandi Walker, BSN, a PACU nurse, and Michael Altman, BA, coordinator of Nursing Education, and executive sponsor Bonita Ball, MSN, nurse manager of 4 Widener, the CCAC is dedicated to creating a culturally sensitive health care environment by evaluating community needs, increasing access to services, and offering cultural competence training for staff.
The clothing drive was truly a collaborative effort. Staff members across the hospital enthusiastically donated new and gently used winter clothing and accessories, unopened toiletries, and new socks, shoes, and underwear over the two-week collection period. Engineering Services also volunteered to move the enormous piles from the collection point at Ben’s Den to the giveaway location at Hall-Mercer.
Hall-Mercer case manager Beverly Bradley and her team served as a point of contact between various community groups, homeless shelters, and individuals utilizing Hall-Mercer’s services, inviting them to stop by and ‘shop’ for their winter necessities. Though all of the donated items are free, the shopping element of “Giveaway Day” ensures that participants pick the items that best suit them, rather than relying on a random assortment.
“Brandi put together brown paper bags filled with snacks like apples and cereal bars, water bottles, and information about local resources for the homeless population. They were flying off the shelves!” Altman said. “We had about 100 individuals from different groups come through, and they were so kind and so grateful.”