Economy slowdown doesn’t stop generosity of St. Anthony employees

Christmas Wreath auction nets food certificates for less-fortunate families

CROWN POINT The holiday spirit is alive and growing at Saint Anthony Medical Center and needy families are reaping the benefits.

A second annual Christmas Wreath Silent Auction recently raised $2,162, an increase of $868 over last year’s effort. The money will provide $50 Strack and Van Til food gift certificates to 46 St. Clare Health Clinic Christmas families. St. Clare Health Clinic is a hospital agency that provides services to uninsured and underinsured Lake County residents.

The effort was coordinated by Michelle Payne, director of the St. Anthony Customer Relations and Satisfaction Department. She purchased 33 wreaths that in turn were decorated by employees of various departments and then bid for auction. Several departments decorated multiple wreaths, Payne said.

The food certificates will be a bonus to the families, who will receive other holiday help through the program.

“It makes me proud to be a member of this team. Even though we are in trying economic times, our staff continues to open its hearts and wallets to help those less fortunate,’’ Payne said.
St. Clare Health Clinic is located at 1000 S. Court St. For more information, call (219) 757-6272.