Westlake Hospital donated 124 coats of various sizes, styles and colors to Elementary School District 89 offices to protect themselves from freezing temperatures this winter season. In addition to the warm coats, Westlake also donated two bags full of new mittens, scarves, and hats. It has been an annual tradition for Westlake Hospital staff to organize a clothing drive, which benefits families in need in the community the hospital serves. Westlake Hospital employees began collecting winter coats during the fall when the weather was still beautiful and it seemed that winter was a long way off. Thanks to the forethought and generosity of Westlake’s staff, at least 124 children in Elementary School District 89 will be toasty and warm this fall and winter. We are happy to note that this year’s Westlake’s donation of coats exceeded the donation from 2014, which totaled 103 coats. Westlake Hospital employees continue to generously care for the children in School District 89 – in addition to the annual winter coat drive, the hospital holds an annual school bag drive in the late summer. This year, 89 school bags filled with school supplies were donated to needy children in the District.

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Representing both organizations at the coat delivery were: Janet Lundblad, Chaplain; Dr. Marta Alvarado, Director of Community Wellness Programs; Sandra Ciancio, Director-Occupational Health; Dr. David Negron, Superintendent – School District 89; and David Brusak, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.