As the nation marked what would have been the 95th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., on Monday, January 15, employees throughout Tower Health participated in special Day of Service projects that honored his legacy and also benefited our patients and the communities we serve.
“Dr. King fought for broad and deep systemic change, but he also spoke of the importance and power of small acts that build up to a greater whole,” said Don Mueller, CEO at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
“As is fitting, the day honoring his birth is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. Thank you sincerely to those who could participate in these projects and thank you to all our Tower Health team members for embodying Dr. King’s vision of dignity, respect, and equity for all in all that you do.”
Here are a few of the Day of Service projects that staff completed:
Phoenixville Hospital
Led by Dr. Alana Denis and Tracy Duffy, staff members and community members donated 46 dog toys to a local animal shelter and made nearly 60 comfy blankets for Project Linus, an organization that provides handmade blankets to children in the United States who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. In addition, staff donated seven bags of food items to Phoenixville Area Community Services (PACS).
Pottstown Hospital
To spread kindness and cheer, staff members worked together and made heartfelt cards for hospital patients. That kindness was returned to staff, as Pottstown Hospital was the recipient of the inspirational “Sidewalk Chalk,” a special volunteer project completed by Perkiomen Valley School District students.
Reading Hospital
Led by the Community Wellness and DEI teams, employees volunteered their time to assemble food and toiletry kits, stuff backpacks, and help organize Street Medicine’s E-Ground storage space. Thanks to employee donations and volunteer efforts, the hospital delivered 418 food and toiletry kits and 123 backpacks to those experiencing housing insecurity across Berks County.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
At St. Chris, employees brought Dr. King’s spirit to life by volunteering to help clean up Lighthouse Field, which is located across the street from the hospital, and its surrounding public areas. Through their hands-on effort, they made the field a safer and cleaner space so neighborhood children can continue to enjoy the outdoors.