Carthage Students to Donate Care Packages to Freeman Nursing Staff

JOPLIN, Mo. – Freeman Health System nurses in the hospital COVID-19 will receive some gifts of comfort as members of the Carthage Family Career & Community Leaders of America Chapter (FCCLA) deliver 100 care packages. 

“Many students in our organization have been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another,” said Sonora Jones, FCCLA advisor at Carthage Technical Center. “Our students decided on this project after we had to be out of school for three days because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. We knew if we were being hit this hard, the hospitals surely were feeling it too. So, we wanted to do just a little something to show that we care.”

The FCCLA chapter has 40 student members, and officers will deliver the care packages to Freeman staff at 1:00 pm Tuesday, February 22. 

“Any time our caregivers receive gifts, it means so much to them!” said Freeman Chief Nursing Officer Jeanee’ Kennedy. “For going on two years, they have been working tirelessly to meet the needs of our community, so even the littlest things can help solidify that sense of purpose that they need to keep pushing on the hard days. Across the country our healthcare workers are mentally, physically and emotionally tired – any and all support for the heroic work that they do is without a doubt well-deserved and appreciated!” 

“Each year we complete service projects for FCCLA,” said Jones. “We’ve done things like helping the humane society, serving food and gathering clothing donations for homeless shelters. We decided this would be the most impactful project at this time.” 

Media is welcome to attend the care package presentation. Contact Lisa Olliges at 417.434.3458 if you plan to attend.