Porter Continues a Great Holiday Tradition for the Health Care System’s Family

Porter Continues a Great Holiday Tradition for the Health Care System’s Family

Once again, Porter Health Care System got in the giving spirit just in time for the holidays. On one of the last warm days of the year, members of Porter’s staff volunteered to hand out turkeys to the rest of the hard-working employees, physicians, volunteers, nurses, and the rest of the personnel who call Porter their second family.

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“Every year we give away turkeys to all of our associates, volunteers, and other staff that work here at the hospital and at our other locations,” Ashley Dickinson, COO of Porter Health Care System. “It’s one way we give back to our associates and their families. It’s a tradition that won’t ever stop in the future and we’re happy to keep it going.”

This year, nearly 2,500 turkeys were passed into waiting hands over a two-day period at Porter Regional Hospital and Portage Hospital at their separate loading docks. Porter’s management took on the responsibility of handing out the turkeys, and each year they all think of it as one of the most fun things to do.

“Porter is a really good family and a lot of us have been here a really long time,” Debbie Bachman Director of Risk Management and Patient Safety said. “This is just part of Thanksgiving where you share with the people around you… It’s fun to see everyone get excited. I always ask when the signups are because I like to help give away turkeys!”

The selfless act leads to more selfless acts as some of the employees who receive turkeys plan to donate their turkeys to their churches, local charities, or a family who they know who is in need. If there are any turkeys leftover, they are donated to Hilltop Neighborhood House as well as some local churches.

“This is a lot of fun. You get to see people that you don’t see all the time and wish them a happy holiday,” Lisa Stemler, Director of Orthopedics and Oncology said. “People are so thankful for this and for all that the hospital does and for believing in the staff the way that they do. It’s a great thing to be a part of.”

"This is a gift from Porter to our associates," Sandra Oliver Physician Network Administrator at Porter Health Care System said. "It's really exciting to get them to everyone before Thanksgiving so that they can enjoy them with their families."

Not all hospitals hold a tradition like this up for their employees year after year. It’s one thing among many that make the health care system stand out as a great place to work.

“I’ve been part of this for eight years now,” Bachman said. “This give us an opportunity to show the staff that they are valuable and we like to give back… It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season!”

We hope you have a wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving!