St. Mary Spreads Holiday Cheer with Acts of Service and Generous Donations

This holiday season, Dignity Health/St. Mary Medical Center, a member of CommonSpirit Health, upheld its tradition of community service and healing by supporting over 15,000 families across California with thousands of presents and food for the holidays. Through the collective efforts of employees, physicians, volunteers and community partners, Dignity Health provided 7,497 meals and delivered 17,042 holiday gifts to those in need.

“As healthcare workers, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve,” shares Julie Sprengel, president of Dignity Health’s California Region. “Many families we encounter struggle to afford basic necessities like clothing, shoes and food, let alone gifts for their children. For some, the gifts provided by Dignity Health are the only ones they will receive and knowing we can spread human kindness beyond the walls of our hospitals during the holiday season is truly rewarding.”

In November and December, Dignity Health touched thousands of lives. From providing Thanksgiving meals to families in our communities and delivering holiday food boxes to multigenerational households, to organizing toy, coat and clothing drives that reached thousands of families, our employees and partners showed extraordinary generosity and commitment to fostering meaningful connections within our communities.

St. Mary Medical Center partnered with non-profit organizations throughout Long Beach to prepare meals for families, distribute toys to youths and supply nearby shelters with pajamas for community members. Throughout December, these efforts have reached over 1,500 individuals.

“Supporting our local communities is at the heart of everything we do,” said Carolyn Caldwell, hospital president. “Our employees don’t just work here – they live here, raise their families here and embody our mission of spreading human kindness every day, whether they’re caring for patients at the bedside or volunteering in our communities. Their dedication to serving others is truly remarkable.”

Dignity Health is grateful to our healthcare worker maintaining essential services throughout the holiday period and ensuring continuous care for community members in need.

Submitted by SMMC

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