I am one of those people that really enjoys the holiday season. Maybe it's because I was born during the holiday season so in a way I was kind of a Christmas present myself. At the Mendocino Coast District Hospital, we celebrate the season in a number of different ways. Perhaps most importantly, it is a time when our employees give back to our community. Once again this year, our staff created a "Holiday Giving Tree." 75 paper ornaments adorned the tree and each one represented a child or a parent in need of generosity to help make their holiday season a little brighter. Gift recipients are clients of local charitable organizations such as Project Sanctuary, the Youth Project and Safe Passages. The 75 ornaments were snatched up in a matter of days and all of the gifts have now been distributed. December is also when our Hospice Program holds it's annual "Light Up a Life" fundraising event. Our generous community raised over $30,000 this year so that people in our community can have the benefit of hospice services with no cost to those who need the services.
Today we had a Holiday Door Decorating Contest. The Medical Surgical Nursing staff won first prize with a door decorated with a tree surrounded by all of the "healing hands" of the Med Surg Department. Pharmacy took second place with its rendition of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Lil in the Pharmacy said, after the judging, that it was so much fun decorating the department and seeing other departments involved in the competition that we should have door decorating contests throughout the year.
From all of us at Mendocino Coast District Hospital, we wish all of our community the very happiest of holiday seasons regardless of the holiday that each of us chooses to celebrate. Whether it be Hannukah, Winter Solstice, Christmas or another. Happy Holidays to all from Mendocino Coast District Hospital.
