First Full Year of Support

This December represents the end of an active full year with two programs to meet two unmet needs for patients and families who are here for treatment at the UVA Medical Center. IHS had paid for lodging at UVA Hospitality House as requested since 2009, but had not been involved in a consistent program for food support. IHS also began our Baby Program in support of Pediatric Clinic requests for infant child car safety seats and infant clothing.  Both programs have been extremely beneficial for recipients. The UVA Hospitality House Food Program began one year ago on December 16, 2011 It's important to understand that the UVA Hospitality House with its thirty rooms, often filled with guests who are underfunded for their visits to UVA Medical Center, only had one small food grant which was totally inadequate and about to cease in the late months of 2011.  IHS immediately turned its attention to seeking support for a grant , in conjunction with individual contributors, for our entire food program, but with emphasis on securing a stable flow of food items and supplemental items necessary in their kitchen, as requested by Hospitality House. Grant Received on December 14, 2011 to Support IHS Food Program The Bama Works Fund of Dave Matthews Band in the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation made it possible to secure deliveries made on request by the Hospitality House Supervisor throughout the entire year. This dedicated food grant assisted with funds for both IHS  Food Programs over the year, namely for Hospitality House food support and the Full-day Meal Packet Program for Social Staff distribution for caregivers and families in the UVA Medical Center.  The other funds come from generous individual donors. However, food support for Hospitality House could not have been consistent without the Bama Works Fund grant a year ago this next week.  What was accomplished for Hospitality House Food Support over this Past Year? As of December 1, 2012, IHS has responded with thirty-four (34) shopping trips and deliveries in the last twelve (12) months.  Supervisor Mary Jackson e-mails a specific list of food items in order to stock up the two refrigerators and cabinets in the downstairs kitchen. Sometimes, supplies may include detergent, paper plates and bowls, plastic utensils, and other necessities needed for an active kitchen. There are no designated days in IHS responses. If the cupboard is almost empty, that is the day we purchase and deliver.  Barbara and Jan,  UVA Hospitality House (HH)staff, accepted delivery number 35 yesterday, December 9. Gypsy Gourmet Cake Lounge at Lake Monticello provided IHS with much needed items for HH: 500 plastic spoons, 575 styrofoam cups with lids, 500 cup cake holders, and a large 8 lb. can of milk fudge for baking.  Throughout the year, the small bakery has provided frozen breads for HH. Holiday Meals for those who can't return home to be with Family In addition, IHS paid for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals in December 2011, and for Easter, 4th of July, and Thanksgiving meals for 2012.  Christmas dinner in two weeks will also be arranged and paid for pickup by Hospitality House (HH) staff on December 24th.  It is so important to remember that most patients who stay at HH are substantially underfunded, and come to Charlottesville from great distances, and are away from family and friends. Many are here for chemotherapy and must remain over holidays. Without the care and comfort and attention by HH staff, and supported by IHS, these visitors would not have these very important holiday meals. Just a Few Words about the Baby Program In January 2012 the projection provided by Teresa Bevins  by all Pediatric Clinics  was a need for approximately thirty (30)  infant child car safety seats.  No child can leave the hospital which is not properly buckled up. It's the law, and if the hospital is providing a seat, then it must be new. As of December 11, 2012 we will have obtained forty-one (41) infant car seats. There are two models: one larger seat for above 5 lbs.  and one for tiny tots from 4 lbs.  In addition, those same babies of parents who are generally pay grade one (indigent) do not have any significant clothing for the initial months of returning home; therefore, IHS has solicited donor support for both new and gently used clothing over this same period. A Note of Thanks from Hospitality House Thanks to all of you who have made these programs happen.  So many have been helped. Thank you for your consideration for continued support.  Please read the letter just received from Supervisor Mary Jackson, and signed by Hospitality House guests and staff. "On behalf of the Hospitality House staff and our guests, please accept our sincere appreciation for the turkeys and ham donated by Thanksgiving Dinner. We were able to feed 20+ patients and family members. Enclosed you will find a Thank You note signed by guests attending a feast on Thanksgiving. We also enjoyed a variety of side dishes just like Grandma fixed back in the day. All staff played a part in the dinner, whether shopping, covering phones or cleaning up. Your donation helped us provide a home cooked dinner for those not able to be home for the holiday. Thank you for caring and sharing. Your kindness has touched our hearts.                                                                           Many Blessings ... Mary Jackson" What Can You Do To Assist? Giving is important for sustaining these programs year round, but holiday giving can certainly make the beginning months of each year go much smoother.  As you might guess, the best way to support this charity for these specific programs is with funds. We shop for specific items as needed and look for best pricing, generally through larger purchases and using our tax exempt status. Therefore, we can make the dollars work more productively with a check for whatever one can afford to donate. Donations may be addressed to IHS, PO Box 163, Palmyra, VA 22963, or you may direct your donations through our website and PayPal at: http://www.interfaithhumanitariansanctum.org/donate.php . Sincerely ...  T. Wade Clegg III