CONTACT: LYNNE CASEY   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 (630) 208-4512

For the month of February, Delnor's Giving Tree will be supporting Batavia Cares, a local organization whose mission it is to support the members of the United States Armed Forces serving around the world and their families. Donations of non-perishable items will be sent directly to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. Service men and women also enjoy receiving cards and email. Please feel free to send a card/note along with the items you are donating. According to Ralph Gebes, coordinator of Batavia Cares, "We ship items to areas that have no infrastructure and no post exchanges. We send the troops little touches of home. As a Vietnam veteran, I understand what it is like."
Putting "Supporting our Troops into Action"

Batavia Cares' mission is to support the members of the United States Armed Forces serving around the world and their families and does so in many ways: providing unit and individual support by linking deployed units with individuals and community organizations; acting as a clearing house of names of the troops, especially from Batavia. that are provided to individuals and organizations to send comfort packages and connect Pen Pals; working with other troop support organizations to share information and resources by publishing a network newsletter; recognizing the needs of the military families of the deployed military members; helping returning military with transition to civilian life for discharged military, the National Guard and Reserve members; and giving recognition to returning deployed troops. "We work with the local community and Mayor of Batavia when troops return. The Mayor makes a proclamation and thanks them for their service. It is a wonderful recognition for their service."

Be a Part of the Giving

Delnor is collecting non-perishable food donations including personal care items, granola bars, individually wrapped snacks, cereal, canned meats, peanut butter, microwave popcorn, nuts, tea bags, hot chocolate and more.  For a complete list please go to delnor.com and look under the "What's New" section for the Giving Tree. Gebes explains there is a need for personal hygiene items. "Since there are no post exchanges, items they really like and need include travel or mini-sized shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, etc. Beef jerky is also an in demand item since it does not need to be refrigerated."
"It is because of all of the donations and people who volunteer their time that we are able to help. Organizations like Delnor have been so great in helping us. There are certain people that just step forward to help others-we are very fortunate to be working with them."

An actual 'Giving Tree,' located in the Delnor Hospital atrium, allows for employees to easily drop off their contribution. And for community members making a donation is simple, just pull in to the entrance of Delnor Hospital and the valet parking staff will take donated items and place them by the Delnor Giving Tree.  Valet is available Monday - Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

For More Information

If you have any questions about Delnor's Giving Tree or the Support Our Troops Drive, please contact Lynne Casey, senior marketing specialist, at 630/208-4512. To learn more about how you can support the troops, visit www.bataviacares.org.
Delnor Hospital, located at 300 Randall Road in Geneva, is part of Delnor Health System, which provides a broad range of health care and wellness services for the community. Delnor is a Magnet Nursing hospital and a Planetree designated hospital for patient-centered care. Delnor is a national leader in patient, physician and employee satisfaction, and is recognized as a top employer in the state of Illinois.