Has your unit ever "adopted" a family during the Holidays?

[Eirene]

Hi guys!

My boss approached me about coordinating an "Adopt a Family" for Christmas. We have decided that one of the tech's would be the ideal family. She is in nursing school, her husband is out of work; they have 3 small children. She is amazing. She works so hard and always has a smile on her face. She and her family are definitely considered "the working poor."

We are planning to have both the ICU and PCU units do this.

Do you have any ideas on how to organize this project? Do I ask the staff members which family member they would like to gift? I'd like to have one of the ICU men to dress up and go over there on Christmas Eve, if one is able.

Have you had success in this? How did it turn out? I am so excited to be able to do this.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I have many thoughts on this but I will try to narrow it down---

1) totally agree DO NOT pressure staff to give~~Yes I know I am more fortunate than others, but I too strugle over the holidays and I am trying to make sure my own kids have a good chrsitmas!!**Dont slam me for being greedy, I am taking care of my own 1st**If I can give, I will. If I cant dont make me feel guilty over it.

2) Dont send someone over to thier house, I personally would be mortified if someone I work with came over and gave me charity....

3) Gift cards 2 weeks before would be IDEAL. There is nothing better than picking out your own gifts for your own kids--that is half the fun.

4) Best case scenerio dont let everyone on the unit even know who the recipent is--just place an envelope to collect cash for a family in need. Once again, I would be mortified knowing others were providing me charity. **You could even put on the envelope it is for a "Saint Marys Hospital family" so maybe people will give more.

This is how we did it on our unit last year. We just had a box whereby people dropped off contributions and an envelope in our narc lockup for donations. It was strictly voluntary but we collected a LOT. The family had lost their home to a flood and was homeless and was very happy to be helped. Good advice here.

[Batman24]

What a generous and kind thing to do for someone who is sturggling a bit. Bravo!!

I really like the idea of gift cards or even a cash envelope given a few weeks before the holidays. The family can then buy their own gifts for their children and get whatever else it is they need.

I also think being handed a pretty card with the money/gift cards tucked in will be better received than handing over tons of gifts which just calls more attention to the situation. Keep us posted!!