This Christmas season, HSFL volunteers prepared a special delivery for patients at MedStar DC, many of whom are unable to spend the holiday with their families. To bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of blessing to those staying in the hospital during Christmas, our team packaged handmade blankets and heart pillows created with love by our volunteers.
On the way to meet Sister Daria at the arranged time and location, one question filled our minds:
How were we going to transport all these care items efficiently?
Since parking in front of the main hospital entrance is never allowed, we had to carefully plan every step. After several phone calls adjusting our meeting spot, we finally met Sister Daria, and with the help of hospital staff, we were able to unload and deliver everything in just a few trips.
Right away, Sister Daria and Alvin Lee (HSFL Vice President and delivery lead) began making rounds across the hospital. She reminded us to wear comfortable shoes, “There are many rooms, and lots of walking,” and she was right. From general patient rooms to the ICU, we were able to hand-deliver every single blanket and heart pillow
.
This season’s care items were made from festive Christmas-themed fabrics, lovingly sewn by HSFL volunteers. In total, we delivered 1,000 heart pillows and 500 blankets.
Many patients, fighting illness while separated from their families, expressed deep gratitude and emotion at this unexpected visit. As they spent their holidays in the hospital, we delivered these care items with the hope that it would bring comfort and warmth.
Walking back outside, we weremet with a cheerful Christmas scene in contrast to the quiet hospital rooms we had just left. It reminded us that, moving forward, whenever Christmas comes, we will first think of the unseen neighbors in our community, those who may be lonely, unwell, or facing difficult circumstances during the holidays.
To every HSFL volunteer who helped create these care items: thank you. Your kindness truly reached hearts today.
And to any high school students who would like to join us in future service projects—HSFL always welcomes you. Feel free to reach out!