For the second year in a row, the management and staff of the Juan F. Luis Hospital showered two local families with presents for each family member and enough food to provide a hearty, holiday meal for Christmas.
“We are very excited to be able to provide presents and a holiday meal for these families and I want to wish both families a very Merry Christmas,” said JFL acting Chief Executive Officer Richard T. Evangelista.
The hospital’s Adopt-a-Family program was started in 2015 by JFL’s dietary director, Yvette Edwards, and JFL Public Information Officer Erica Parsons, according to a news release issued by the hospital. It is a part of the JFL Cares initiative, in which employees embark on projects that will assist the community.
Both families were brought to the hospital’s attention through Catholic Charities and the Bethlehem House Shelter, and each family includes a single mom and five children ranging in ages from a newborn to 14, the hospital’s release said.
“Our team members give willingly each year to make sure that the families who are selected can enjoy a wonderful time together for Christmas,” Parsons said.
Evangelista, Human Resources chief Valdemar A. Hill Jr. and JFL team members from various departments talked with the mothers and children on Tuesday before presenting them with their individual presents. Both families also received a turkey and all the other trimmings to create a complete meal, including beverages.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community, so we all pitch in hoping that our small contribution can make a difference in their lives,” Parsons said.
JFL employees volunteered individually, or as a department, to provide the gifts for each family.
“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our staff members who contributed from not just their pockets, but from their hearts as well to these families, and I wish each employee well for this holiday season,” Evangelista said.
