By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Dozens of Mercyhealth employees opted to pay their holiday gift from the health care company forward by donating their Christmas feasts to the Rock River Pantry.
Approximately 240 turkeys, 150 hams and multiple vegan options were loaded into a truck for the pantry on Wednesday outside the Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton, 2400 N. Rockton Ave.
“This is more than just putting a holiday meal on a table. It’s putting a smile on a lot of faces,” said Kim Adams-Bakke, executive director of the pantry. “Not only will it meet one meal’s need, but there’s going to be leftovers. … The meals are going to go really far.”
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The donation comes as the pantry is seeing an increased need in the community. The pantry is serving about 3,600 people a month, compared to 1,600 at this time a year ago.
Adams-Bakke credits the surge to inflation, the end of some federal subsidies that helped families and rising utility costs. She said that forces some families to choose between food and paying utility bills or rent.
“Most of them choose to keep a roof over their head and keep the heat on, so food comes last,” she said. “It’s such a shame because it’s a basic human need.”
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The holiday dinner gift is a longstanding tradition at Mercyhealth. Partners, which is what the health care system calls its employees, can choose between turkey, ham, a vegan option, pumpkin pie or to donate. Many choose to pay it forward.
“We have such fantastic partners who really go above and beyond,” said Renee Dooman, manager of partner and community engagement for the health care provider. “They participate in various events, they donate their time, their excellent toward our patient care: it’s not just a job for them, but it’s their calling. It’s their way of life.”
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.