I had a little girl yesterday, miss matched socks.  Gave her a pair of bright green socks with white hearts on them and some underwear.  She picked up the socks and said are these for me with a big smile and looked at the underwear and started explaining to me who the cartoon character was on them! Needless to say, she and her mom were very happy to get these little tokens from us. I so appreciate what Tammy has allowed us to do for our families because of her donations.

I had a patient last week that said, “I am just dying to brush my teeth”….I said…hold on and pulled out your bag!  She was so happy.  Went into the bathroom and came out.  “I feel like I am a new person!”  This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done.”  Personally, I think this is the nicest thing. The patients can feel a sense of “comfort” from what is in there.  So, thank you!!

This case was some time ago but it sticks with me and I wanted to share it…I was caring for a woman after she was sexually assaulted and as part of the evidence collection, I took her underwear which she was hesitant to give me, even though they appeared to be very worn. I explained that we had some donated items that I’d be happy to give her, including new underpants. When she opened the bag she was so grateful for all the personal items that she started to cry. I was so moved, I gave her 2 additional packs! Thank you for all that you do to provide our patients with these wonderful gifts!

I wanted to let you know that I often distribute your PACKs to my adolescent and adult patients who are receiving SANE services. I cannot speak highly enough of the importance of these care packages. When patients seek our care during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, they often come to us feeling isolated, scared, and alone. When we provide them these care packages and let them know they were donated by your organization, it reminds them that they are not alone and they have not been forgotten. I truly believe these gestures, as simple as the lay-public may think they are, are life altering. They send the message to our patients that someone, somewhere, is thinking of them and wishing them well. I know sometimes it can be difficult to offer services or donations without knowing exactly their impact. Please know that they make a difference, bring a smile to our patients’ faces, and make our job as their medical providers that much easier and rewarding because we know there are people in our communities who understand and care. Thank you.