Many companies and organizations are boosting their charitable efforts at holiday time.
In a fun and important campaign that benefits hospitals, Aflac is selling its holiday duck at Macy's and online (www.aflacholidayduck.com or www.macys.com). The Aflac web site shows a list of benefiting hospitals nationwide. Since 2001, Aflac has raised more than $2.2 million for pediatric cancer hospitals across the nation. Yes, the duck says, "Aflaaaac!" when you squeeze it. The donation is $10 for a small duck and $15 for the larger toy.
All proceeds are donated to fight pediatric cancer at a hospital nearest to where the Aflac Holiday Duck is sold. For instance, proceeds from the sale of the Holiday Ducks in Phoenix will benefit the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Phoenix Children's has the largest pediatric cancer program in Arizona and is a leading participant in research to find cures for cancer.
In a separate effort, Phoenix Children's Hospital will also be accepting toy donations through December 23, from 9 am - 3 pm. Non-violent, brand new toys will be accepted. Please: no food, candy, or stuffed animals (see above to donate the Aflac duck proceeds). Find out what specific toys they need and get the details:
http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/ways-of-giving/other-ways-to-donate/child-life-wish-list
Many associations are also finding resources to donate to the needy. As reported by DOTmed News and PR Newswire, the US Oncology Foundation is asking for year-end donations to help cancer patients with financial assistance to keep roofs over their heads and food on the table for their families.
The US Oncology Foundation, soon to be named the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation, is dedicated to providing cancer patients and their families with financial assistance for everyday living expenses including mortgages and rent, utility bills, car payments, gas, food for the family and other necessities. To make a donation, or for more information on the US Oncology Foundation, visit the organization's Web site at: www.usoncologyfoundation.org (click "DONATE").
Donations to the US Oncology Foundation fulfill an unmet need in communities throughout the United States by providing this type of financial assistance to patients and their families. The foundation also funds cancer prevention and early detection awareness programs in conjunction with other community organizations and supports a women's retreat each year called Life Beyond Cancer.
Many medical companies are also getting into giving. For instance, Alpha Source, Inc., Wilwaukee, WI, participated in Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child Project for the second year in a row. They collected school supplies, toys, personal hygiene items, children's clothing and candy for distribution to children all over the world. Alpha Source supported Operation Christmas Child's mission to deliver shoe boxes full of supplies and gifts to children in over 130 countries including Abkhazia, Belize, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, and Trinidad. Alpha Source employees contributed their time and wrapped each box for girls and boys 2 to 14. The company made a charitable donation to cover shipping and administrative expenses for each box donated.
Alpha Source, a battery pack manufacturer and global distributor of medical devices and accessories, is also a regular contributor of healthcare supplies to several local, regional and global charities including MediSend, International Children's Heart Foundation, Foundation Tarahumara, TriMedx Healthcare Equipment Services Foundation, Project Health for Leon and Healthcare Without Borders, Operation Christmas Child fits into Alpha Source's mission to support initiatives and causes that provide and promote quality healthcare.
Also in the news, Kaiser Permanente will give $5 million to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to help fund the construction and operation of the new Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding Hospital. Read about it in DOTmed's Press Room.
Let our readers know about your charity work this season by sending us your comments below.
And read a special report on the benefits of donating medical equipment from the pages of DOTmed Business News magazine:
A Helping Hand: Donating Medical Equipment Is a Great Way to Give Back
https://www.dotmed.com/news/story/10553/
