We at the Homeless Health Initiative felt grateful to be able to coordinate and connect hundreds of donors and volunteers to families in need at multiple emergency housing shelters around Philadelphia over the holidays in 2013. Numerous coat, clothing, toy and food drives were organized throughout the Hospital and broader CHOP community — your generosity and good spirit brought much happiness in 2013! THANK YOU!

Spirit-filled celebrations happened at shelters all over the city thanks to HHI volunteers. Thanks to those who staffed a holiday party at Jane Addams, where volunteers helped children make cards and decorate cookies while their moms chose and wrapped gifts. Thanks to our friends at Preferred Health Care for donating supplies and volunteers! HHI friends also helped with a gift wrap party and a Kwanzaa party at St. Barnabas. CHOP nurses also organized a food drive to bolster the St. Baranabas food pantry. A Peace Tree Lighting party at People’s Emergency Center was a beautiful event, and we appreciate all the volunteers who helped decorate and assisted with crafts, Santa letter-writing and cleanup.

Families Forward, PEC, Jane Addams, St. Barnabas, Salvation Army Red Shield and Red Cross House provided gift registry wish lists, including toys, slippers, bathrobes, movie tickets and gift cards that were fulfilled by numerous CHOP employees. Many CHOP volunteers “adopted” families at Red Cross House and the Women Against Abuse shelter, showering families with much needed clothing and gifts.