St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Employees Providing for Abused, Neglected Children

St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Lufkin employees came together this holiday season to benefit two local non-profit agencies that advocate on behalf of abused or neglected children in Angelina County. Friday morning, five SUVs pulled out of the hospital packed with diapers, wipes and toys for Lufkin Community Partners and CASA in the Pines.

Employees at St. Luke’s Health Memorial-Lufkin and Sound Physicians made the generous donations. Virtually every department at the hospital donated to the cause.

“Our hospital identified a need in our community and our employees helped meet that need by supporting some of our most vulnerable citizens.  We hope this will be an inspiration to others,” said Tina Alexander Sellers, St. Luke’s Health-Memorial Director of Community Outreach.

There were enough diapers and wipes to refill the Lufkin Community Partners’ diaper closet in its Rainbow Room, which is an emergency resource room stocked with children’s clothing, diapers, baby wipes, shoes, coats, toys, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, lice treatment kits, snacks and many other items. These items are available at all times for children and families within Child Protective Services and can be accessed through a caseworker.

The toys donated will help CASA workers put holiday smiles on the faces of many children who face great challenges having their basic needs met.

“The drive would not have been as successful without the generous support of our employees,” Alexander Sellers said.

Accepting the donations were Tammy Axelson, president Board of Directors for Lufkin Community Partners; Tina Price, FNPC with East Texas Urology Specialists and board member for Lufkin Community Partners; and Natalie Thornton, Executive Director for Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) in the Pines.