DELAWARE HOSPITAL FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL SEEKS COMMUNITY HELP IN SPONSORING RESIDENTS IN NEED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

SMYRNA (Oct. 9, 2013) - The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill in Smyrna seeks community help in making the holiday season a happy one for residents who have little or no family support by asking individuals, local businesses and community organizations to sponsor residents in need.

The hospital offers three sponsoring options:

• Adopt a resident: DHCI provides the sponsor with the resident identification code and a wish list requested by the resident. The sponsor will buy the items and return the gift, unwrapped in a gift bag, to the Volunteer Services office or switchboard operator at the facility in Smyrna. We suggest spending no more than $25.00 per resident.
• Monetary donation: Sponsors can make a donation by check or gift card and leave the shopping to DHCI's Volunteer Services. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Volunteer Services office, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE 19977. All money donated is used to purchase gifts for our residents.
• General donation: DHCI can provide sponsors with a list of suggested gift items. These items are used during the holidays to fill gift bags for residents who are not sponsored and used throughout the year to fill birthday bags and special requests.

"The support of the community makes a difference in the lives of our residents and is greatly appreciated," said Secretary Rita Landgraf of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees DHCI. "For residents with little or no family support, having this kind of connection with generous Delaware donors will make their holidays a special time."

To participate, please call (302) 223-1011 or email Jennifer Bobel, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at jennifer.bobel@delaware.gov to let her know how you would like to help.

DHCI asks that the items be dropped off at the Volunteer Services office by Monday, Dec. 9, to allow the office time to update its list, do last-minute shopping, and ensure that everyone has a gift bag. Gifts can be left at DHCI's switchboard reception area 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please mark items for the Volunteer Services office, and complete the donation form with your name and address so an acknowledgement can be sent.

The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is a long-term care facility that provides intermediate and skilled care for about 150 residents. It is at 100 Sunnyside Road in Smyrna.

For more information, call (302) 223-1011 or email Jennifer Bobel at Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill at jennifer.bobel@delaware.gov

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.