Sparrow Ionia Hospital

479 Lafayette St. Ionia, Michigan  48846

1-616-523-1400   or    1-800-237-2572

"Serving Ionia County for over 65 Years"

November 13, 2008

ICMH HELPS FILL SHELVES WITH FOOD DRIVE

           A two-week effort by Ionia County Memorial Hospital and its employees, medical staff, and volunteers to collect food and other grocery items for the 2008 Michigan Harvest Gathering wrapped up Monday, November 10th.  Over 2000 pounds of groceries/cash was contributed this year. The campaign is a statewide program of the Food Bank Council of Michigan that distributes emergency food to the needy. 

            “Participation in the Michigan Harvest Gathering is an excellent opportunity for ICMH employees and volunteers to help people right in our own communities,” said Laurie Tjalsma, Community Relations Director at Ionia County Memorial Hospital.  “In times of financial uncertainty, those who are affected by the hunger epidemic can be closer than many realize.  We are glad to be able to help our friends and neighbors who need assistance.”

            Now in its 18th year, the Michigan Harvest Gathering has raised more than 7.5 million pounds of food and nearly $5 million for the Food Bank Council of Michigan.  More than 1.1 million emergency meals have been provided to those in need via the Food Bank Council of Michigan’s 12 regional food banks and more than 2,500 local agencies, including soup kitchens, pantries and shelters. 

            The groceries and dollar donations have been distributed to the Ionia Community Food Bank at Zion Methodist Church, R.A.V.E. Shelter, Portland Area Service Group, and the ICMH Adopt-A-Family project for families and individuals in need.  “The fact that all donations stay in local communities and we can help bring even more later in the year is a great motivating factor.  Everyone enjoys helping out a neighbor in times of need,” said Laurie Tjalsma.

            This is the 11th consecutive year ICMH and the Michigan Hospital Association have actively participated in the Michigan Harvest Gathering.  Ionia County Memorial Hospital, alone, has donated over 37,000 pounds of food and money over the last 11 years to local agencies. The Tony Balice Clinic/Family Health Center donated the most this year in a hospital wide contest.  Participation in the food collection effort is one more way ICMH and other hospitals across the state help improve the health status of their communities.

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