Carbondale Reporter

On December 12, staff from SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale presented two cash donations to Toys for Tots, marking the largest single donation ever received by the organization. Mark "Skip" Cosgrove, representing Toys for Tots, expressed gratitude for the contributions.

"We're here to receive the results of incredible generosity," Cosgrove stated during the event.

The hospital's fourth-floor surgical team organized a basket raffle to support Toys for Tots. This initiative has been a long-standing tradition on their floor. Ann Jiter, RN, BSN, explained that each participant chose and designed their own themed basket.

Anne Randolph, RN, BSN, highlighted how items were sourced locally: "She goes around to all the small Southern Illinois shops...to gather items specifically to Southern Illinois."

Initially aiming to raise $5,000, the team exceeded expectations significantly. "We screamed...People ran to the room. They thought something was wrong," Jiter recounted after raising $10,257 through over 14,000 tickets sold.

Cosgrove noted that this donation would help maintain toy distribution levels across five Southern Illinois counties: "We were looking at decreasing the number of toys...But a donation like this gives you some breathing room."

Craig Jesiolowski, SIH Vice President & Administrator said he was proud of his team's efforts: "They not only take care of the patients of this hospital but they care about the community...Couldn't be more proud and thankful."

Additionally, SIH Memorial Hospital Auxiliary contributed $2,000 to Toys for Tots—doubling their previous year's donation. Auxiliary Volunteer Anna Mary Rushing commented on this generosity: "It's very rewarding to see the hospital personnel come in and give so generously."

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