Every year around the holidays, the faculty, students, and staff in the Department of Psychiatry raise money to help those less fortunate, and this year was no different.
The Department of Psychiatry raised $2,500 and donated it to the Nebraska Medicine Holiday Adopt-A-Family Drive.
For the past 13 years, the Nebraska Medicine Social Work Department has coordinated the Holiday Adopt a Family Program. Last year, 86 departments helped spread holiday joy to 140 patients and their families. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the community and health care system, the program offers a gift card-only option. The update allows patients/families to purchase gifts of their choice for their children and ensure ease in distributing the holiday cheer.
Maggie Milner, BSN, MSW, helped organize the fundraising within the Department of Psychiatry.
“I was able to hand over $2,500 to Nebraska Medicine Social Work Department to support families in need. This is all because of this department’s generosity and caring,” Milner said. “The lady I gave it to almost fell out of her chair when I told her the dollar amount. It made me smile. I’m so honored to be a part of this team!”
While Nebraska Medicine suggests each department raise enough money to help four families, the Department of Psychiatry collected enough money to hand out gift cards to eight families. Below are some of the family, the department supported this holiday season:
A family of three, includes a single mother fighting cancer with two young children. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.
A family of five includes a single mother with four children and a newborn baby. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts, diapers, and a family holiday meal.
A family of five, includes a father fighting cancer with three young children. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.
A family of four, includes a single mother fighting cancer with three teenage children. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.
A family of five, includes a single mother fighting cancer with four young children. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.
A single person, who is fighting cancer. The gift cards will be used for clothing and a holiday meal.
A family of three, including two young parents with a newborn baby. The family will use the gift cards for Christmas gifts and a holiday meal.