Spencer Hospital Employees Spread Holiday Cheer Through Community Giving Initiatives

posted on Thursday, December 12, 2024 in General

Spencer Hospital employees are embracing the spirit of the season by adopting 15 senior citizens as part of the Upper Des Moines Opportunity and Elderbridge “Santa for Seniors” program. This heartwarming initiative is just one example of how hospital staff give back to the community throughout the year, embodying a common trait of “Caring Beyond the Hospital Walls.” 

Through the “Santa for Seniors” program, employees have fulfilled over 85 wish list items to bring joy and comfort to local seniors. In addition, staff are supporting other charitable efforts this holiday season: 

• Spencer Middle School Students: The Spencer Hospital Nurse Shared Governance Image Council is leading a collection drive for Middle School pantry drive items like dish soap, detergent, towels, snacks and personal care items to ensure local students stay supported this winter. 
   
• People for Pets: Employees are donating pet toys and supplies to help provide for animals in need. 
   
• Upper Des Moines Opportunity: Supported a canned food drive in November and gathered hats, gloves and winter items to assure community members stay warm this winter. 
   
• Thanksgiving Meal: Employees and their families helped serve families that were affected by the flood at a special meal at the Clay County Event Center on Thanksgiving Day. 

“Spencer Hospital is committed to more than just providing exceptional healthcare—we’re dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of our neighbors,” said Brenda Tiefenthaler, Spencer Hospital President. “Our employees’ generosity and compassion reflect the values we strive to uphold every day.” 

Spencer Hospital is a cornerstone of health and wellness in northwest Iowa and southern Minnesota. Alongside its full-service hospital, the organization operates a comprehensive cancer treatment center, an inpatient behavioral health center, a multi-specialty surgical center, four primary care clinics, and two satellite dialysis centers in Spencer and Spirit Lake.