DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL SEEKS HOLIDAY DONATIONS FOR RESIDENTS

SMYRNA (Nov. 14, 2012) - The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is looking for members of the community, groups, organizations, and local businesses to sponsor a resident for the holiday season. Sponsoring a resident for the holidays brings excitement and joy to each resident receiving a gift. Most residents at DHCI have little or no family involvement.

When members of the public sponsor a resident, they will be provided with a wish list for that resident. The wish list will include gender, clothing sizes, and items that the resident needs or wants. Once sponsors have finished shopping, they should return the gift, unwrapped or in an open gift bag, to the Volunteer Services Office at DHCI. Gifts will be distributed to each resident on Dec. 24.

"Year after year, Delawareans demonstrate how generous their spirit is," said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees DHCI. "There is no greater gift than to help vulnerable people have a brighter holiday. In advance, thank you to those who choose to reach out this holiday season in support of our residents at DHCI."

As an alternative to gifts, sponsors can make a monetary donation by check or gift card and leave the shopping to Volunteer Services at DHCI. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Volunteer Services Office, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE 19977.

Donate funds go into the hospital's holiday donation account and will be used to purchase gifts that allow the hospital to meet special requests of its residents.

The hospital asks that purchased items be returned to the Volunteer Services Office by Friday, Dec. 14, to allow the hospital time to update its list, do any last-minute shopping, and ensure that everyone has a gift bag. Gifts can be left at the hospital's switchboard reception area 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please mark them for the Volunteer Services Department, and complete the donation form with your name and address so an acknowledgement may be sent.

If you or your group is interested in sponsoring a resident, please contact Karen Minner, Volunteer Services Coordinator, (302) 223-1011, or by email at karen.minner@delaware.gov no later than Friday, Dec. 7.

The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is a long-term care facility that provides intermediate and skilled care for about 170 residents.

For more information about the Holiday Adopt a Resident, contact Karen Minner, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at (302) 233-1011.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.