Even at a healthcare technology company where AI and electronic medical records are always top of mind, the heart of an organization is its people. That’s certainly true at MEDITECH, where hundreds of employees are leading by example this December, by making the time and effort to participate in this year’s Holiday Giving initiative, and bringing much needed resources to underprivileged people during the holidays.
“The generosity of our staff has been overwhelming,” said MEDITECH Co-organizer Hilary Wein. “I’ve been involved for the past 20 years, and I’m still so impressed with how many people come through for others during such a hectic time.”
This entirely staff-run program began as a grassroots effort back in the mid-1990s, with just a small group of MEDITECH staff fulfilling the gift list of a single family in need. It has grown by word-of-mouth to involve over 500 employees stepping forward this year to give toys, clothing, food items, hygiene products, gift cards, and financial contributions to over 32 different households.
“We can always count on our staff going above and beyond every year, to make sure these families can have a nice holiday. And this year is no exception,” said MEDITECH co-organizer Erin Obuchowski. Donations benefit local charities including the Germantown Neighborhood Center, Rosie's Place, the Italian Home for Children, and Justice Resource Institute (JRI) Foster and Adoption Unit in the Boston metro area, as well as Families First in Atlanta, GA.
In addition to donating material goods, many staff also help with administrative tasks, and transporting gifts from MEDITECH to individual families’ houses. “One great thing about the Holiday Giving program is that there are so many channels to participate, in any way that you want to,” added Obuchowski. “From organizing the families’ wishlists to working on our web pages - there are lots of different ways that employees are offering their talents.”
Co-organizer Wendy Bellew has been involved with the program since its inception. Although she is no longer employed at MEDITECH, the personal connections with former co-workers and people in the community keep her coming back.
“The folks we are helping could be our neighbors, people we pass in the supermarket. They could be us,” said Bellew. “This is an important way to bring the MEDITECH community and its longtime friends together for a cause that we all believe in, to show that there are still so many of us in this world that care for one another.”