HFMC and volunteers bring joy to patients

A hospital stay is no picnic for anyone, no matter the situation. Being in the hospital at Christmas increases the sad feelings of being stuck in the hospital. Luckily, for some of the patients at AllianceHealth Madill, a few workers from the North Pole decided to visit and spread cheer.

When the elves from Hope forMarshallCounty(HFMC) arrived at the Madill hospital and E.R. on Christmas Eve, it was a most welcomed sight. Every year Gwen and David Wilson, directors of HFMC, surprise the staff and patients atthehospitalandE.R. with gifts and goodies for all.

“We call ahead to see how many will be on staff at 6 p.m. and how many patients will be there,” Gwen Wilson said. “Then, we give everyone a fleece blanket, a gift bag full of homemade cookies, ChapStick, apples, oranges, and new this year the ribbon candy and nuts.”

For the staff working on Christmas Eve, they leave gift bags and trays of cookies and other homemade goodies. With help from organizational secretary SummerBryant,HFMCVice President Patti Sparlin, and the Wilson’s granddaughter Kimber Gentis, HFMC was able to bring comfort and holiday merriment to those who may not be feeling so cheery and bright.

Gwen Wilson said she knows how the joy of giving can mean so much to someone else.

“They aren’t expecting something like that, it’s really great.”

Bryant said the best part of the night was visiting with the patients and surprising them.

“For the most part they were all alone,” said Bryant. “They were very appreciative thatsomeonethoughtofthem on Christmas.”

Bryant said bringing something for the staff on duty was a highlight of the evening as well.

'Surprising the staff with goodies is rewarding too,” Braynt added. “Most of those people work the holidays and spend it helping take care of others instead of getting to spend time with their own families. So, taking them gifts and snacks the night of Christmas and thanking them for all they do for our community is worth it.'