SMH RNs raise money for kids

NORWAY – During a recent “Skills Fair” held at Stephens Memorial Hospital, the nursing staff from the Medical/Surgical and ICU departments not only brushed up on their nursing skills, they also gave back to the hospital community.

The Skills Fair is an annual continuing education event, organized by Nursing Staff Educator, Lisa Heald, RN, who shares that during this time there are generally door prizes given away as an incentive. Heald says that this year, she proposed putting together baskets and holding a silent auction during the fair, with proceeds received from the baskets benefitting the hospital’s internal Christmas for Kids program. The Christmas for Kids program is run through the human resources office and benefits employees who cannot afford to give their children as much as they would like to for the holidays.

Heald shares, “People were very receptive, so much in fact that people embraced the idea and began donating their own baskets of goodies, from ‘movie night baskets’ to lotions and jewelry. With the incredible donations or baskets and those who purchased raffle tickets we raised over $600 in cash and donated gifts for the program.”

Liz Bennoch, Human Resources Director and head of the Christmas for Kids program says, “Every year I am amazed all over again at the warm hearts, kindness and generosity shown by our staff to other staff who are less fortunate. Christmas for Kids allows the children to have a wonderful Christmas despite the hardships their parents may be facing, and that’s really what Christmas is all about. Our wonderful staff understands that completely, and always come through. I’m proud to work for such a caring organization.”

Visit Western Maine Health on the Internet at www.wmhcc.org.

Giving back Photo:

STAFF GIVES BACK – From left are Amy Kahkonen, RN; Liz Bennoch; Nicole Cox, CNA; Vanessa Pierce, RN and Linda Cleveland, CNA.