Third annual christmas tree donation helps to make the season bright for families in need
Methodist Healthcare spreads holiday cheer through tree-decorating competition
San Antonio — Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc., the largest private, faith-based funding source for health care services in South Texas, once again partnered with Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital — facilities of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas — to donate nearly 60 decorated, artificial Christmas trees to several underserved families in San Antonio.
As part of their holiday celebrations, several departments of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital participated in an annual Christmas tree decorating contest. Trees adorned with ornaments hand-crafted by employees, many following themes intended to celebrate the patients cared for at the hospital, were put on display at both hospitals, transforming the facilities into winter wonderlands. The Christmas trees were judged by hospital administration for first, second and third place in the categories of best theme, Spurs theme, most traditional, most creative, and most jolly. The winners made their debut at Methodist Hospital's "Pictures with Santa" event which took place on Dec. 19. Now, the trees will make their way to families served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries' programs and services.
"We are delighted to be able to provide our clients with some holiday cheer this season. Christmas is a time of compassion and giving, and that's what these trees symbolize. We are grateful for the generosity of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital, and the joy this donation will bring many families," expressed Oanh Maroney-Omitade, vice president of clinical operations at Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
A handful of trees were offered to Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital employees who were also in need this season, and the rest were donated to families served by Methodist Healthcare Ministries' programs and services. Select trees also contained presents for an extra holiday surprise.
"The employees of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital look forward to partnering with Methodist Healthcare Ministries to help brighten the holidays for so many families in our area by decorating these Christmas trees," said Michelle Rozen, human resources vice president for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children's Hospital, "this tradition of helping our community is the cornerstone of everything we believe in and of everything we do throughout Methodist Healthcare System."
The trees were picked up from Methodist Hospital and delivered to Wesley Health & Wellness Center (1406 Fitch Street) where they were distributed to approximately 50 families.
"I'm happy to see this tradition continue. Getting a Christmas tree meant a lot to me, and to my children," said a recipient from a previous donation event. "There wasn't going to be a Christmas tree at our home, but thanks to Methodist Healthcare Ministries, we had a happier Christmas. We were very surprised and grateful. It was truly a blessing."
For more information about Methodist Healthcare Ministries, please visit www.mhm.org.
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About Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc.
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. is a private, faith-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing medical, dental and health-related human services to low-income families and the uninsured in South Texas. The mission of the organization is "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by improving the physical, mental and spiritual health of those least served in the Rio Texas Conference area of The United Methodist Church. The mission also includes Methodist Healthcare Ministries' one-half ownership of the Methodist Healthcare System, the largest healthcare system in South Texas, which creates a unique avenue to ensure that it continues to be a benefit to the community by providing quality care to all and charitable care when needed. For more information, visit www.mhm.org.
About Methodist Hospital
Chartered in 1955, Methodist Hospital is the pioneer facility of the now world‑renowned South Texas Medical Center. Opened in 1963, Methodist Hospital has grown to be the flagship facility of the Methodist Healthcare System, San Antonio's largest and most preferred health care provider. Methodist Hospital maintains this excellent reputation with a commitment to the hospital's value statement that defines quality as meeting the customer's needs by exceeding their expectations. Methodist Hospital offers a broad range of specialties including cardiology, oncology, emergency medicine, neurosciences, maternity care, gynecology and orthopedics.