DeKalb Community Hospital held a toy and diaper drive for needy babies as part of the Healthy Beginnings program of DeKalb County. Hospital staff, along with the Chamber of Commerce, and the local community, donated hundreds of diapers along with clothes, blankets and necessary care items. These babies come from low to zero income homes.
“We were so very happy to help these babies and their mothers have a merry Christmas. Our staff immediately responded to the need and we had all the babies sponsored in less than 24 hours. Each sponsored baby received diapers, new clothing, a toy and other requested items,” said Shan Burklow-Marketing Director for DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospitals, “We literally ran out of babies to sponsor and asked that the community donate diapers instead. In this fragile economy, it warms my heart to see that people still have such a heart for giving.”
Sue Conley, CEO of DeKalb Community and Stones River Hospital agrees, “Our staff are some of the finest people around. They are caring and empathetic with our patients and that carries over in how they serve our community. We are pleased to help meet this important need in DeKalb County and hope that these families have a little brighter holiday due to everyone’s combined generosity.”
“Our program (Healthy Beginnings) was so very grateful to partner with the hospital this year. It will be such a blessing for these babies and their moms,” said Essie Tucker of Healthy Beginnings, “We’d like to personally thank everyone that has helped us provide for these babies for the holidays including our donations for a Christmas party. Kilgore’s Restaurant helped us with the food, the staff at DeKalb Community Hospital donated the gifts, and so many in the community helped out wherever they could. We just can’t thank everyone enough.”
For more information, or to request help for a new mother or baby, please contact Healthy Beginnings at (931) 265-7424. DeKalb Community Hospital will be holding another diaper drive in the spring, but Healthy Beginnings will accept donations for babies 0-24 months anytime throughout the coming year.
####
Pictured: Shan Burklow of DeKalb Community Hospital and Essie Tucker of Healthy Beginnings stand with a portion of donated Christmas items for needy babies and their families located across DeKalb County. Hundreds of diapers, clothing, blankets and toys were donated to local babies from low to zero income homes.
Archived News & Obituaries