Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital officials donated school supplies to students at Starr Elementary School on the morning of Sept. 23.
The organization said that it was a way to help ensure that the students have the tools they need to succeed as they settle into the new school year.
"Education is one of the strongest building blocks for a healthy community,” Craig Albers, president of Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital, said. “By making sure students start the year with the tools they need, we’re investing in their future success. This donation is a reflection of the generosity of our associates and patients who joined together to support local students.
“As a trusted community partner and health care provider for more than 70 years, we will continue walking alongside families to make sure students have what they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond, and we’re proud to partner with Oregon City Schools.”
The donation drive is led by the hospital’s mission services team and reflects Mercy Health’s ongoing commitment to supporting education as a key social determinant of health. The committee annually does a school supply drive that both employees and patients participate in, and the department that donates the most wins a pizza party. This year, cardiac rehab won.
In attendance at the Starr Elementary event was Mercy Health – St. Charles President, Craig Albers; Mercy Health – St. Charles CFO and Oregon school board member, Jeff Ziviski; Mercy Director of Mission, Vince Matthews; Starr Elementary principal, Kevin Meyer; and Oregon City Schools Assistant Superintendent, Jeff Straka.
As a dedicated community partner in Oregon since 1953, Mercy Health – St. Charles is stepping in to help students start the school year prepared, understanding that rising costs are making it harder for families to afford essentials.
