"We are extremely thankful for your gifts and time volunteering to help make my son's holiday extra special. We have been through a tough several months, and I am extremely thankful for all of you that showed your love through your Spirit of Giving."
The note above, one of many sent in gratitude to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health employees, captures the impact its Spirit of Giving program. From gifts of wrapped toys to donations of clothing, funds and gift cards for necessities, this annual tradition reflects LG Health's culture of kindness and compassion.
Most notable, though, is that program recipients are not just part of the Lancaster community; they are members of LG Health's family of employees who are facing a serious need or emergency situation during the holiday season. The program, now in its 15th year, relies entirely on the generosity of LG Health employees, many of whom participate year after year.
Employees experiencing financial burdens caused by unexpected medical expenses, illness or injury, loss of a spouse's job and other circumstances apply online for support. Volunteers wishing to adopt a family in need complete online pledge forms. All participants remain anonymous.
In spite of the difficult year, holiday outreach occurred throughout Penn Medicine. For example, the staff at the Abramson Cancer Center at Chester County Hospital pooled together donations to launch an Adopt A Family holiday program. "We were able to provide some holiday cheer to seven families of our cancer center in need this year," said oncology social worker Brittany Fols, MSW.
Local commmunities throughout the region had happier holidays thanks to employee outreach. Read about more holiday outreach efforts from throughout Penn Medicine, in our hospital entity newsletters.