News Center

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

St. Francis, LifeBridge span need for assistance during holidays

BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Christmas just got a little brighter for more than 250 families with 625 children on Indianapolis’ south side.

Employees of Franciscan Alliance/St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers boosted their efforts again to help needy families assisted by LifeBridge Community through the annual Operation Bright Christmas program.

In its ninth year, the program serves families during the holidays, benefiting children who live in poverty in Beech Grove and on Indianapolis’ south side.

“It was a huge success with donations pouring in every day up to the Dec. 15 deadline,” said Julia Dearing, who coordinates the program at St. Francis. “We were able to provide each child with three or four gifts and winter apparel donated by various partner organizations.”

Donations included new toys, new or gently used infant clothing and items, wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, ribbon, batteries, DVDs or CDs, video and board games (“G” rating only), twin size bedding, gift cards in small denominations, faith-based items, and sports toys.

Adult family members joined LifeBridge and St. Francis employees at Clinton Young Elementary School Dec. 18 to wrap the gifts.

“They [adults] were so thrilled to have something for their children to open,” Dearing said.

LifeBridge Community is a faith-based ministry that seeks to instill hope in the lives of children, young adults and families through nurturing relationships and supportive services. More information about the organization is at www.lifebridge-community.org.BEECH GROVE, Ind. – Christmas just got a little brighter for more than 250 families with 625 children on Indianapolis’ south side.

Employees of Franciscan Alliance/St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers boosted their efforts again to help needy families assisted by LifeBridge Community through the annual Operation Bright Christmas program.

In its ninth year, the program serves families during the holidays, benefiting children who live in poverty in Beech Grove and on Indianapolis’ south side.

“It was a huge success with donations pouring in every day up to the Dec. 15 deadline,” said Julia Dearing, who coordinates the program at St. Francis. “We were able to provide each child with three or four gifts and winter apparel donated by various partner organizations.”

Donations included new toys, new or gently used infant clothing and items, wrapping paper, gift bags, tags, ribbon, batteries, DVDs or CDs, video and board games (“G” rating only), twin size bedding, gift cards in small denominations, faith-based items, and sports toys.

Adult family members joined LifeBridge and St. Francis employees at Clinton Young Elementary School Dec. 18 to wrap the gifts.

“They [adults] were so thrilled to have something for their children to open,” Dearing said.

LifeBridge Community is a faith-based ministry that seeks to instill hope in the lives of children, young adults and families through nurturing relationships and supportive services. More information about the organization is at www.lifebridge-community.org.