Salem Health Medical Group has built a tradition of collecting and donating new, unwrapped toys to children through Salem Police Department's annual toy drive. In 2016, SHMG donated over 2,000 toys. This year, SHMG is teaming up with the rest of Salem Health to make the toy drive an even bigger success.
"It's thrilling to be a part of bringing joy to a child during the holidays," said SMHG Associate Chief Medical Officer Michelle Rasmussen, MD. "At the medical group, we've always been excited to come together to help these kids. With the full weight of Salem Health behind us, we're excited to see the results."
Salem Health and SHMG have been gathering the toys for the past two months. On Dec. 14, the toys will be loaded up onto Salem Health's holiday float and transferred to a Salem Police SWAT van before they are wrapped and delivered to families.
"The holidays can be especially tough for children in need," said Julie Jordan, executive assistant to Salem Health COO and Salem Health Medical Group Vice President Bahaa Wanly.
Jordan has been instrumental in the toy drive coordination between Salem Health and the medical group.
"At Salem Health, we love serving everyone in Marion and Polk counties, and children are no exception. This toy drive is just one way we can give back, and we're happy to do it," she added.
The 31st Annual Salem Police Toy Drive started Nov. 17, 2017 with the same commitment and enthusiasm police officers had back in 1986. Toys will be accepted through December 13 at the Salem Police Department and a number of alternate locations listed on the SPD's website. With donations from the public, the toy drive gives toys to approximately 250 families each year.
About Salem Health: Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon's mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; "Like" us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.
December 13, 2017
