East Central Reporter

HSHS Home Care is organizing its annual "Cram the Car" food drive this February, coinciding with National Canned Food Month. The initiative aims to support local food pantries and assist those facing food insecurity.

“Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”

The organization has partnered with HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville to encourage community participation through donations of nonperishable items or monetary contributions.

In Decatur, donations will be accepted on Monday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with items directed to Catholic Charities in Decatur. Contributions can be dropped off at an HSHS Home Care car located by the colleague entrance/receiving area on the north side of HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital.

In Shelbyville, collections are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting the First United Methodist Church food pantry in Shelbyville. Donations can be made at an HSHS Home Care car parked by the patient entrance on the west side of HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital.

Suggested donation items include 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, and large boxes of oatmeal. Donors are reminded to check expiration dates before donating.

For more information about the event or to make inquiries, individuals can visit HSHS Home Care's Cram the Car website or contact Valerie Engelbart directly at 217-685-0702 or via email at Valerie.Engelbart@hshs.org.

HSHS Home Care provides various in-home services aimed at helping patients maintain independence. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy; wound care; cardiac rehabilitation; stroke care; pain management; hospice and palliative care; fall risk assessment; and pediatric care.

The organization is accredited by The Joint Commission, which evaluates health care organizations worldwide on patient care quality and safety standards.