NorthShore Health Centers participated in the Portage Christian Church's coat drive on October 27th. NorthShore Outreach Manager Gervay Dickerson and Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Rohrer organized the drive to collect gently used or new coats, hats, scarves, and gloves from NorthShore employees. NorthShore CEO Jan Wilson also donated a cash gift in order to purchase a large amount of new kids coats for the drive.
Dickerson and Rohrer attended the drive in order to lend a helping hand, along with informing those in attendance of all of the health services offered by NorthShore for the uninsured and underinsured.
"I think it was important to attend the drive because people needed to see the friendly faces at NorthShore, and see that we cared," shared Rohrer. "I also think that it was good for me to see how we at NorthShore help our community. I believe in our company and I love how we are just here to help. I feel blessed to be a part of such a love-filled event. I am thankful to everybody who participated. I was so glad to see all of the miracles that day!"
"Because our Outreach Team here at NorthShore works in the community, we are seeing firsthand the need here in this area," said Dickerson. "We wanted to make sure that not only would they receive coats, but also education on accessing quality health care, including assistance with the Affordable Care Act."
Dickerson went on to share a story of a young lady, aroudn 12 years old, who was there picking out a coat. After being told she could take the garment, she responded with tears in her eyes, "I've never had a coat with tags on it before." "It was at that very moment I knew we were making a difference," Dickerson said.
"I cannot even begin to explain how dedicated these ladies have been, not to just this event, but to our church as well," stated Marsha Moore, coordinator of the drive. "We have a very strong partner with NorthShore Health Centers- that is a huge blessing!"
NorthShore was honored to be able to assist with the church's and community's needs, and looks forward to working with Portage Christian Church in the future.
