HSHS Home Care has launched its annual “Cram the Car” drive in partnership with several Effingham-area auto dealerships. The initiative, which coincides with National Canned Food Month in February, collects nonperishable food items, hygiene products, and monetary donations for Catholic Charities’ food pantry.
Throughout February, community members can drop off donations at multiple locations during regular business hours. These include the front lobby or pre-surgical entrance of HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, as well as Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Roy Schmidt Honda, Northside Ford-Lincoln, Goeckner Bros. Inc., and Russ Braunecker Cadillac Buick GMC Inc., all located in Effingham.
The collected items will be delivered to Catholic Charities by HSHS Home Care staff on March 1. The regional office of Catholic Charities serves Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper and Shelby counties.
Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, stated: “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community. It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”
Donors are encouraged to contribute items such as boxed meals like Hamburger Helper and Rice-a-Roni; pancake mix and syrup; jelly; pasta sauce; cereal; granola; sugar-free canned fruit; low-salt canned vegetables; large boxes of oatmeal; soap; shampoo; feminine products; and razors. All donated goods should be checked for expiration dates.
In addition to running donation drives like “Cram the Car,” HSHS Home Care provides various services that help patients live independently at home. These include therapies (physical, occupational and speech-language), wound care, cardiac rehabilitation, stroke care, pain management, hospice and palliative care, fall risk assessment and pediatric care.
More information about the drive is available through HSHS Home Care’s Cram the Car website or by contacting Valerie Engelbart at 217-685-0702 or [email protected].
