Foundation Initiatives: Helping Hands Fund and The Tree of Goodwill

The Tree of Goodwill campaign supports the Helping Hands Fund that was developed by the hospital's Social Work Department. Messages from donors adorn a brightly decorated tree in the hospital's main lobby during the Christmas season. The fund is designed to help the neediest patients at a time when they are the most vulnerable. The following story is just one of many.

Maria was scared. Her 22 month-old daughter was in the Emergency Department with a fever. Although the prognosis for recovery from her ear infection was excellent, it brought only more worry to Maria. She was concerned because she could not afford to buy the medication her daughter needed.

Maria and her daughter were living in a shelter and their application for medical assistance had not been approved. Maria did not have the money to buy the medication and without it, her daughter would not have relief from the terrible pain caused by the ear infection.

Maria was put in touch with Washington Adventist Hospital's Social Work Department where she found help. Through the Helping Hands Fund, the department was able to fill prescriptions for the medication. But they did not stop there. They helped Maria with her application for much needed financial and medical assistance. The social workers found other agencies to help with food, clothes, and toys before they completed their work with Maria.

The good work of our Helping Hands Fund depends upon the many caring hearts in our community. This fund is supported solely by monetary contributions made annually by friends like you. Because of your support, Washington Adventist Hospital is able to lend a hand to over 600 people per year through the Helping Hands Fund. The fund receives 100% of the contributions made to the Tree of Goodwill.

For more information on the Tree of Goodwill campaign and Helping Hands Fund, contact us at (301) 891-6920. Your gift will lend a helping hand to many individuals and families during the coming year.