Impact Stories

One donor’s gift made a difference to many patients in need during the recent winter cold blast. The $1,000 donation to the Sister Betty HOPE (Helping Our Patients in Emergencies) Fund provided 17 pairs of shoes, 35 winter coats, and 39 sweatshirts for the emergency clothing closet.

Each of the stories below show how, through your donations, individuals receive not just physical warmth, but also comfort, dignity, and hope during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Thank you for making these moments of compassion possible through your gifts.

Elderly patient in need of warmth: An elderly patient arrived at the ER with chest pains, wearing only a t-shirt and sweatpants, during a particularly cold week this winter. Because of the generosity of a donor, the emergency clothing closet was able to provide him with a winter coat, sweatshirt, gloves, and a winter hat. His joyful reaction showed how much this small act meant to him.

Patient needing warm clothing for transport: A patient being treated at the hospital was unable to keep their clothes after they were damaged in a car accident. They were provided with warm, essential items—including shoes, a sweatshirt, and a jacket —so they could safely be transported to another facility during a bitterly cold week.

Unhoused patients receive warmth: Multiple patients discharged this winter were experiencing homelessness and lacked the necessary clothing to keep warm. Thanks to your donations, they were given long underwear and winter necessities—offering warmth and dignity when leaving the hospital.

Visitor without a coat: A surgery patient visitor accidentally left her coat on the bus during a cold spell. She was offered a warm coat, gloves, and a hat to get through the wait. She later left a heartfelt voicemail, thanking the people who donated for the kindness, even though she wasn’t the patient.