The certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital recently completed a community service project to support foster children during the winter holiday season.
Donna Koleck, MSN, CRNA, and Serafina Bear, MSN, CRNA, coordinated the effort to collect donations for the Foster Love Project's Annual Bag Drive. Beginning just before Thanksgiving and concluding on December 11, the drive brought together the Magee CRNAs in support of children entering foster care.
Through the generous contributions of their colleagues, Donna and Serafina assembled six fully stocked bags for foster children. The collection included backpacks, diaper bags, and duffle bags filled with essential items children need when transitioning to a new home, such as clothing, socks, blankets, books, journals, hygiene products including toothbrushes and toothpaste, body wash, stuffed animals, and more.
"We just want to thank everyone for their enthusiastic contributions to make the Holiday Foster Love bags a success," said the coordinators. Special recognition was given to Diane Evangelist-Belack, MSN, CRNA; Hannah Coccia, DNP, CRNA; Susan B. Favorite, MHS, CRNA; Clarice Johns, DNP, CRNA; Danielle M. Meholic, DNAP, CRNA; Laura L. Montag, MSN, CRNA; Elizabeth Moore, DNP, CRNA; Nicole R. Nowe, MSN, CRNA; and Courtney L. Thomas, MSN, CRNA, for their assistance in stocking and packing the bags for transport.