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DHAP brings cheer to Floyd Manor residents by Cindy Abole Public Relations  It may be only six days into December, but the staff of MUSC’s Department of Health Administration and Policy (DHAP) is busily packing holidays surprises and sprucing up poinsettias to prepare as hosts of DHAP's third holiday luncheon for the residents at Joseph Floyd Manor.  The Dec. 8 event will bring together some generous hearts and grateful souls in an atmosphere of love and merriment.  “We’re looking forward to it,” said Christina Blocker, resident and vice-president of the Floyd Manor Senior Citizens and Handicap Association. “Everyone’s talking about it and plans to  be out in their Sunday best to enjoy a great time.” Each year since 1997, the DHAP staff, faculty and students have combined their efforts to usher in the holidays with a service project that would benefit needy families in the Lowcountry area. In 1999, they learned of the many needs of low income, elderly residents at Joseph Floyd Manor and made an important decision. “We saw a need with this group and decided to do something about it,” said David R. Graber, Ph.D., associate professor, Department of Health Administration and Policy. “It’s amazing how we all connected. We hope to continuously support this holiday effort.” Key to its success and organization is a planning committee composed of Val Miller, Holly Rorobaugh, Felicia Wright, Carol Brown, Jenny Commins, Fran Lee, Libby Dismuke and Graber. Donations are collected from faculty, staff and students. So far, faculty and staff have donated about $675, while the Master in Health Administration Student Association contributed $125 for this year’s luncheon. Each year, the committee members begins planning as early as September. In addition to collecting donations, they solicit Lowcountry businesses for small donations including food, desserts, door prizes, poinsettia decorations and other items for the event. This year’s holiday lunch menu includes Southern fried chicken, baked ham, macaroni and cheese, red rice, green beans, rolls, fruit salad and cakes, pastries and cookies. Food preparations and donations will come from the Sea Island Piggly Wiggly and Creative Catering and Catering Done Wright, area businesses that have conducted business with the health administration and policy department throughout the year.  Even spouses and family members are eager to share and participate in this Christmas event. They are involved in decorating, setting the tables, serving food and mingling with guests. Last year, staff and family led the afternoon’s entertainment singing Christmas carols. This year, the Voices of Zion Choir of the Greater Zion AME Church in Mount Pleasant will provide the music.  In addition to the good food and warm holiday spirit, the group will distribute small goodie bags filled with travel-sized toiletries like soap, toothbrush, shampoo and other items to all Floyd Manor guests. Door prizes of Christmas poinsettias, gift certificates and other small gifts will also be presented.  “It’s amazing how our small efforts have grown in this way,” said Val Miller. “Every year, people and donors to this project have been a little more generous in supporting our efforts. Just being involved with this group brings a lot of joy and pleasure to all of us, especially during this time of the year.” For information about DHAP's holiday luncheon, contact Val Miller at 792-3324.   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.