Information: givingcomfort.org/how-it-works/whats-in-the-kit
When Giving Comfort, a program through the McKesson Foundation, asked hundreds of patients and caregivers what cancer patients need most while they’re going through treatment, they learned that small comfort items can really help patients endure tough times.
So McKesson employees got to work. At the Alpharetta office, over 1,000 blankets were made, hope chests were decorated and notes of affirmation were written by 300 McKesson employees during the company’s 19th annual Community Days initiative.
“Through this program, cancer patients across North America receive free care packages – backpacks and totes filled with the items most requested and needed by people going through treatment,” said Carrie Montagna, senior marketing manager and corporate regional volunteer chair at McKesson.
The care packages, for cancer patients of all ages, were filled with the most requested comfort items – ranging from warm, fuzzy socks to blankets and stuffed animals – to ease discomfort during chemotherapy treatment.
“We hear everyday from patients who tell us how much the care packages to mean them, especially the hand-created items and notes, and they ask us to pass along their thanks to the McKesson volunteers who created them,” added Montagna.
This Community Days project took place Sept. 19 – 30. The packages are provided to patients free of charge and are distributed into the hands of patients through McKesson Foundation Cancer Care Community Partners. In the Atlanta area, the partners include Grady Health, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the American Cancer Society Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge in Decatur.
Founded in 2012, Giving Comfort is funded 100 percent by the McKesson Foundation.
“I have watched family members and friends fight - both win and lose - in the battle of cancer and they were grateful for every ounce of support along the way. Participating in an event, such as Community Days here at McKesson, means that I can be even a small part of someone’s comfort on their journey, it makes me thankful for those who have been there for my own family and friends,” said Melissa Morris, project manager at McKesson.
In other news: Sweetwater Mission is collecting coats for its Warm Coats Warm Hearts coat drive. It is seeking coats for children and adults and its goal is to reach 1,000 coats. For more information on how to donate, contact Sweetwater Mission at barb@sweetwatermission.org
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