Crozer-Keystone Turns Community Service Focus to Annual Holiday Toy Drive

Dec. 5, 2014 (Springfield, Pa) – Crozer-Keystone Health System employees have a long-standing tradition of helping their neighbors in need through numerous community outreach efforts, including the health system’s annual food drive and toy drive. This year’s food drive wrapped up on Nov. 24 with the toy drive starting on the same date and will continue through Dec. 19. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) is the primary beneficiary for both the food drive and toy drive, and Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Prospect Park was the beneficiary of the food drive at Taylor Hospital. 

Both agencies reported a successful food drive, as the CAADC fed almost 900 families (compared to 800 in 2013) in Delaware County a Thanksgiving meal as a result of donations collected in large part at Crozer-Keystone locations.  The Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry were also very appreciative as they collected a total of 253 lbs. of needed food at Taylor.

As the health system has turned their attention to their next community-focused initiative, members of the local community are invited to provide toys through Dec. 19 for the annual holiday toy drive at one of the multiple drop-off locations within the health system. In addition, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has chosen to be a partner and will have a drop-off location inside the Chamber office, which is located at 1001 Baltimore Pike, Ste 9LL in Springfield. The CAADC has partnered with other community businesses as well in Delaware County who have agreed to serve as drop-off locations for toys, and these locations can be found at www.caadc.org.

Toys should be new and unwrapped, and they will be donated to children under 15 years old. Appropriate gift ideas for children in this age range include/are as follows: children’s books, coloring books, sports equipment, board games, arts and crafts materials, dolls, action figures, building blocks and puzzles.

Drop-off bins are located within Crozer-Keystone at the following locations:

Community Hospital in Chester: Main lobby

Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland: POB lobby, North lobby, Tech Park

Crozer Medical Plaza at Brinton Lake (300 Evergreen Drive) in Glen Mills: Main lobby 

Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill: Main lobby

Springfield Hospital in Springfield: Main lobby, Healthplex, Corporate office                 at Pavilion II

Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park: Next to the volunteer’s office on 1^st floor

Delaware County Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is to enhance your business, other businesses throughout the region and promote the economic well-being of the county.  They focus on providing valuable benefits, strengthening the quality of life within the community, serving as a liaison between business & government, and preparing the future workforce.  For more information, please visit www.delcochamber.org. 

Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC)

They have been serving Delaware County’s economically disadvantaged residents since 1979.  CAADC provides a variety of services and programs to support homeless and low-income families and individuals as they progress along the Continuum of Care towards self-sufficiency  including:  emergency shelter, housing assistance, employment and training initiatives, energy services and emergency food assistance.  For more information, please visit www.caadc.org.  

Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, Prospect Park

They strive to meet the needs of their fellow citizens living under the weight of poverty by providing nutritious food and a spirit of caring and compassion.  In addition, they work to eradicate not only their hunger, but the causes of their poverty.  For more information, please visit www.delcoloavesandfishes.org.

Crozer-Keystone Health System – Visit www.crozerkeystone.org for more information.