Dec. 18, 2018 – Each year, in lieu of exchanging holiday gifts with
one another, the Southeast Georgia Health System Information Systems (IS)
department chooses a local organization or charity to support. This year
they chose to continue the tradition with a donation of 55 “First
48 Hours” bags to Foster Hope, an organization aimed at equipping
Glynn County foster children with an essentials bag to help smooth the
transition during the first 48 hours of placement.
Spearheaded by Lydia Nave, applications analyst, Information Systems, this
is the third year the department has selected Foster Hope, and each year
the number of bags donated has increased.
“In 2016, we donated 31 bags, and 46 in 2017,” says Nave. “I
am so proud of our team for pulling together again and going above and
beyond to put together 55 bags.”
The bags contain a variety of items, including pajamas, socks, stuffed
animals, and a comb, brush, and toothbrush. Some bags include seasonal
items, such as blankets, or specialty products, such as coconut oil. Although
the IS team collects items for the bags all year, they get serious when
the holidays are near.
“One of our most popular shopping options is our Auxiliary’s
$5 Jewelry Sale in November,” says Nave. “That’s when
we purchase a lot of the bags and items. Since the Auxiliary donates the
sale’s proceeds to the Health System, it’s a win-win for everyone!”
Meghan Davis and Amanda Holt of Brunswick founded Foster Hope in 2015.
As foster parents themselves, Davis and Holt know children often arrive
at a home with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. “It
is often very traumatic for the children, they’re frightened and
feeling very vulnerable. As a foster parent, having items to help comfort
them and get them settled, such as pajamas and small stuffed animals,
helps immensely.”
In 2017, Foster Hope expanded their efforts in aiding the foster community
by assembling and launching their first Care Community, a group of volunteers
who provide a support system for the foster family by providing meals,
helping with transportation and/or assisting in child care.
“This donation really touches our hearts because it makes us more
aware of our blessings and gives us the chance to share them with those
innocent children,” adds Nave. “We may not be in the position
to become foster parents ourselves, but that does not mean we are incapable
of helping. I’m very appreciative and thank everyone who contributed
and helped to organize, count and stuff bags.”
For more information about Foster Hope, visit Facebook @FosterHopeGlynn
or send an email to
alwaysfosterhope@gmail.com.