“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.  Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”  This quote taken from Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” adorns the back of OCHRegionalMedicalCenter’s 2013 Christmas t-shirts.  This holiday season OCH employees took the quote from their t-shirts and put it into action, “adopting” three coworkers in need and their families.   

            All three employees were nominated by other OCH employees and selected by the “Adopt-A-Family” committee, with the recipients remaining anonymous.    

            OCH Public Relations Coordinator Mary Kathryn Kight said the fundraiser has been a long-time tradition at the MedicalCenter with employees reaching deep into their pockets to help their peers.  This year, more than $1,800 was raised, along with toys donated to give to the adopted employees’ children.

            “Some of the children in the adopted families have developed serious medical conditions this year, and with OCH employees being healthcare providers, they understand the impact that sickness has on not just the patient, but also their family physically, emotionally and financially,” said Kight.  “From the stress of not knowing their loved-ones prognosis to nights away from home in the hospital, OCH employees see families facing these tough situations every day, so the stories about the coworkers in need resonated with OCH staff members.  They wanted to make a difference for their coworkers, and that’s what they did,” she added.    

            The recipients were moved to tears and were shocked at the amount of money and items donated to help with medical bills, traveling expenses and to put gifts under their trees for their children.

            “You just don’t know what this means to me.  Thank you so much,” said one of the recipients as she cried tears of relief knowing that she had extra help and support to make it through a very difficult time. 

            “It’s the spirit of a giving and compassionate hearts all year long that make our employees such excellent caregivers,” said OCH Administrator/CEO Richard Hilton.  “Whether it’s a coworker in need or a patient who comes to OCH Regional Medical Center for treatment, OCH employees go above and beyond to make sure a person’s needs are met and to deliver compassionate care.”