Christmas Stores Brighten Holidays for 1,300 Children

In December 2010, two St. John Providence Health System hospitals hosted Christmas Stores that provided more than 1300 metro Detroit children with gifts and clothing. Click here for photos! 

• St. John Hospital and Medical Center  held its second Christmas Store, a project of the hospital’s Mission and Spirituality Committee.
• Providence Hospital, which has a long history of giving to the community through its Christmas Store, provided Christmas gifts in its 28th Christmas Store. 

A Tradition Started at Providence Hospital

St. John Health System invited families who receive care at one of our health care centers, or who are part of church congregations/parishes that partner with the health system through its Spiritual Life Councils, to participate in the Store.

For just $1, each family received an outfit and toy for each child, a grocery store gift card, and bag filled with stocking stuffers.

“I was part of this wonderful event at Providence Hospital and wanted St. John Hospital associates to share in the joy of giving through a Christmas Store,” said Diane Radloff, President of SJH&MC. “The outpouring of support each year from Providence, and this year on the east side, has been amazing and included our physicians, associates, board members, friends, and volunteers.”

Associates from numerous St. John Health System sites planned both Christmas Stores for several months, and utilized volunteer coordinators in each of the health system’s campuses to gather gifts, stocking stuffers, and clothes for the stores. Nearly 200 associates volunteered at both sites on the day of the event to help attendees shop, and entertain their children.

“We played festive Christmas cartoons in our auditorium for the children, had snacks, offered the opportunity to make a craft, and took a photo of each child with Santa,” said Kelly Womer, the driving force behind the event at SJH&MC. “When you hear the stories of the people attending, it motivated me to make this day as special as we could for everyone.”

Meeting the Needs of the Communtiy

“The needs of our community superseded our expectations as we expected with the current economical climate. We were never worried and our medical staff, associates and volunteers came through with an outpouring of commitment and generosity to sponsor all of the children on our list,” said Lisa Ward, Providence Hospital.

“The Christmas Store has been an integral part of the Philosophy of Service Committee for 28 years for the Providence region. It was a pleasure to partner with our system colleagues in the Eastern Region. The system enthusiasm and commitment to those we serve has been contagious. These efforts by St. John Health System are a true expression of our spirituality at work.”

SJH&MC and Providence plan to continue this tradition next year to provide a happy holiday for families and children who entrust their care to SJHS physicians and services or who are members of one of our faith community partners.