OB/GYN staff provides Christmas to families
by Cindy Abole
Public Relations
MUSC’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Services wants to give
a memorable Christmas to two special Lowcountry families this holiday season.
OB/GYN's
Angel Orechovesky, center, and Catherine Fair, left, help a customer decide
on any of the tasty holiday cookies, brownies and treats during their Dec.
6 bake sale. Proceeds contributed to their fund.
The activity is part of an annual effort shared by department staff, physicians and nurses to usher in the holidays and celebrate the season of goodwill.
“We’re really excited to be working together on this holiday project,” said Angel Orechovesky, project organizer and Department of OB/GYN compliance manager. “Our staff loves working with this and goes all out. Even our new physicians and employees have been pleased to see our cooperation and activity in this effort.”
This year, the group has committed to supporting two single mothers and their families who have been victims of abuse and domestic violence.
“We’re lucky to work with caring and wonderful people,” said Faye LeBoeuf, nurse midwife and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner’s team (SAFE) coordinator. LeBoeuf, whose SAFE team provides specific care for victims of rape and domestic violence, got recommendations of area families in need from My Sister’s House and People Against Rape .
In late November, the OB/GYN staff read about and voted on which families they would help. This year’s adoptive families are a single mother with a small boy and girl and another single mom with two boys and two girls. Each family provided a wish list and suggestions for items including clothes, gift certificates, household items and toys.
To initiate the giving, the November’s proceeds from OB/GYN administrative office’s soda and snack sales were donated. Individual donations from department staff followed. Additional fund-raising from bake sales also generated donations.
“Everyone wanted to contribute baked goods or donations to support this effort,” Orechovesky said. “Even individuals who typically work long days and have families found time to contribute baked cookies or snacks for our fund-raising. It has really been a team effort.”
Orechovesky and volunteers plan to take their donations and shop for gifts this weekend, Dec. 14 and 15. They will display and wrap their treasures along with departmental staff during their traditional lunchtime “wrap “party on Dec. 16.
My Sister’s House Inc. provides safe shelter to victims of domestic violence and their children throughout the Tri-County area. Founded in 1980, they support women who are in immediate danger from verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse and are eligible for services at no charge.
People Against Rape (PAR) is a private, non-profit organization that provides counseling and support for sexual assault victims, their family and friends. PAR also provides follow-up services, advocacy and referrals for victims and their families.
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