MONROE — This holiday season, SSM Health Monroe Hospital’s Emergency Department waiting area has an added warm touch with a new “Giving Tree” that is decorated with handmade hats, scarves, mittens, and other winter essentials available for anyone who needs them.
This initiative is led by Patient Access Representative, Liz Wilson, who is an avid crocheter. She was inspired after observing two winters’ worth of patients arriving at the hospital without basic winter gear.
“I have seen patients come and go that have gone without these things,” she shared. “It’s hard for me to watch and not think about how I could help. I crochet when I am not actively registering patients and I thought if what I make can help keep them warm, why not?”
With this simple but heartfelt idea, Liz connected with leaders to ensure the project aligned with hospital guidelines. Once approved, she decorated the tree with her handmade items and along with a coworker assembled small packages of hand warmers to tuck among the branches.
The response from staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It has been so nice to see how excited my coworkers were about the idea,” Liz said. “A lot of them have contributed by helping decorate or adding items to the tree.”
One emergency department nurse contributed beyond winter gear by assembling shelf-stable meal kits for patients and families who may be facing food insecurity this holiday season. Those kits have been added beneath the tree as another meaningful way of providing extra support.
A lighthearted Grinch theme naturally evolved as additional decorations were added, bringing a bit of seasonal cheer to the space.
The tree has already begun making an impact. Liz shared that within the very first night, a few hats and hand warmers had already been picked up.
“I also had a patient take from the tree yesterday after I checked her in. It was so heartwarming to see her reaction… I honestly almost cried. I just didn’t expect to be able to see the tree’s impact in action.”
While the tree’s items are small, the gesture behind them is not. Liz hopes the Giving Tree sends a message of support to those who enter through our doors.
“I hope it sends a message to our community that we care and that we are here for them,” she said. “Some who come here may be in a darker season in life or starting over or just need a helping hand. I hope this small act of kindness will provide some joy and encouragement on their path.”
The Giving Tree is one way our staff go beyond immediate medical care to meet the needs of our patients as a whole person. Thank you to Liz, and the entire Emergency Department team, for bringing the gift of creativity and kindness to serving our neighbors.
