Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Southern Regional employees help out local elves

SRMC Foundation coordinates giving efforts for local children

Southern Regional Medical Center employees are making the holiday season brighter for foster care children throughout Clayton County. This year, the Southern Regional Medical Center Foundation coordinated the giving efforts for the hospital. SRMC "adopted" 20 children and purchased gifts for each.

"We saw this as a great opportunity to make this holiday season brighter for the children in our community who may not be as fortunate as many of our own children," said Shane Short, associate director of the foundation. "This time of year naturally causes many of us to reflect on how blessed we are and how we should be a blessing to others. It's a gift to be able to give."

Each year, the Clayton County Department of Family and Children Services coordinates the "Pick-an-Elf Program" where individuals, businesses, civic and church groups "adopt" a child and provide Christmas gifts for him/her. The children create their own wish lists and prioritize them. Volunteers who "adopt" a child are encouraged to purchase items that are on the wish list as well as any other necessities they think the children might need.

The Southern Regional Medical Center Foundation is a not-for-profit philanthropic organization committed to improving the provision of healthcare services through the Southern Regional Medical Center. Funding for foundation efforts comes from individuals, corporations, businesses, service organizations and special community events. For more information about the foundation, call 770-991-8004.