HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital hosted volunteer events this week as part of a three-hospital effort to assemble approximately 1,800 treat bags and collect handwritten letters for deployed U.S. military service members.
- The initiative combines two connected volunteer programs, Treats for Troops and Write to a Hero, both benefiting Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, a nonprofit that sends monthly care packages to deployed service members around the world. HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola is scheduled to host its event Thursday.
Fort Walton-Destin Hospital kicked off the effort Tuesday afternoon, with Twin Cities Hospital in Niceville following Wednesday morning. More than 50 colleagues across the three hospitals are expected to participate. Volunteers assembled treat bags containing protein bars, nuts, fruit snacks, beef sticks and power drink mix, all of which will be provided to Forgotten Soldiers Outreach for inclusion in its care packages.
KC Donahey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, said the initiative carries special meaning in a region shaped by its military presence.
“One of the things I’ve learned since moving to this community is what it means to live in a military community,” Donahey said. “Not just the service members you see out and about, but all the families that are represented as well.”
That connection to community, Donahey said, makes it easy to rally hospital staff behind volunteer efforts.
- “We are in the business of service,” Donahey said. “Our staff has a heart for taking care of people. When they can step outside the walls of this hospital and find ways to volunteer and help, it’s an easy ask.”
Donahey said the initiative isn’t just about the troops who receive the packages…