1998 Begins a Bit Brighter for Two Needy Families

Thanks to the generosity of more than 50 staff members and more than 20 doctors in the Department of Radiology, the New Year is starting a bit brighter than it might have for two Philadelphia families, including seven children.

For the fifth straight year, the Radiology employees and physicians have rallied together to contribute gifts and cash to make sure some of those less fortunate are not forgotten during the holidays.

Organizer of the effort is Donna M. Guidi, Radiology's Supply Coordinator and a 20-year employee who started her Jefferson career "right out of high school."

Benefitting from this year's generosity are four children ages 2, 4, 8 and 18 and their mother as well as a 16-year-old boy diagnosed with end stage renal failure, and his aunt who is caring for him and her two daughters, ages 1 and 3.

"The holidays are for kids," says Ms. Guidi, pointing out that the gifts included toys and games as well as clothing and food certificates for holiday meals.

This year the department worked with the Philadelphia Society for Service to Children, in Center City, who identified the families and handled delivery of the gifts.

Ms. Guidi can't say enough to describe the generosity and involvement of her colleagues. "The turnout is phenomenal. Every year, everybody sacrifices and digs deeper in their own pockets to do this. It makes us all understand a bit better what the holidays are all about."

Ms. Guidi's commitment is motivated in part by struggles her mother faced in raising her handicapped older brother.

"I know what it's like to be on the needy end. Doing this puts a light in my heart."