On Tuesday, December 12, a host of “Santa’s Elves” dashed from PNWU’s campus toward downtown Yakima, laughing all the way (HO HO HO!) to the YWCA, where they delivered over 400 presents for local families in need.
The effort, led annually by Vicky Koch, executive assistant to the dean of PNWU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, helped to ensure that 16 local mothers, and 64 children, had presents to open this holiday season.
“It was a real team effort,” explained Koch, noting that PNWU-COM Dean Thomas Scandalis’ office was overflowing with donations since the drive was first announced. “The abundance of gifts from all programs, faculty, staff, and students epitomizes the culture of generosity that exists here at PNWU.”
Each holiday season, Koch kicks off the drive by announcing the arrival of PNWU’s Giving Trees. The trees, which are located in high-traffic campus areas, are decorated with ornaments listing items that can be donated to a needy family identified by the YWCA, an organization that works to impact the lives of domestic violence survivors through safety, healing, and empowerment.
Kathleen Carrillo, an administrative coordinator for PNWU’s School of Occupational Therapy, helped to organize the Giving Trees this year, and once again participated in the giving herself by selecting a mom to purchase gifts for. “I know the sacrifices these women have had to make in their lives for their families,” she explained. “I hope that our generosity will help them realize there are good and kind people in the world who care about them.”
“The outpouring of support from PNWU warmed my heart and gave me goosebumps,” said Jolene Hartill, administrative coordinator of PNWU’s simulation center, who helped manage the Giving Tree located in the MultiCare Learning Center. “It made me proud to be a part of such a wonderful community organization.”
Hartill noted that those benefitting from the generosity may not otherwise have the means to provide gifts for their children during the holidays. “Many domestic abuse victims walk away with nothing more that the clothes they have,” she explained. “I hope these gifts can make a positive difference in their lives and bring a much-needed smile to their faces.”
“We are a community of givers at PNWU,” added Carrillo. “This just reinforces that we really care about those that are less fortunate than we are.”
“Caring for others is what PNWU is all about,” Hartill said. “Events like this allow that to shine and be seen by the community we live in. Bless you all for your caring and loving hearts.”
