Each year Orlando Senior Health Network's Fun Committee and Employee Support Services purchases backpacks and school supplies to be given away for the start of the school year. In 2011, 25 backpacks filled with supplies were given away. In 2012 the number is doubling to 50 donated backpacks.
This past Friday, August 17th, the second annual Backpack Drive was put on by Orlando Senior Health Network. The Fun Committee and Employee Support Services Teams gathered in the Parish Hall located on campus and was able to enjoy watching the excitement on the employees' faces when their names were called to pick out a backpack for their children or grandchildren.
Emily Shea, daughter of Paul Shea, Human Resources Director, was the Volunteer school backpack builder. She also helps out with the Thursday Food Pantry support.
Each backpack included:
- 3 spiral notebooks
- 3 loose leaf folders
- 150 pages of loose leaf paper
- 3 pens
- 3 pencils
- An eraser
- A ruler
- 2 glue sticks
- 24-count box of Crayons
The Orlando Senior Health Network's Employee Support Services provides food pantry support every two weeks to employees. Organic fruit and vegetables, in addition to dry and canned goods, are purchased and handed out every two weeks, according to requests filled out anonymously throughout the month. The generous donations come from employees of Orlando Senior Health Network and residents of Orlando Lutheran Towers. Since January 2012, OSHN has donated nearly $2,500 in dry goods and $500 in organic produce to just over 100 employees.
Additionally, The Fun Committee is a group of Orlando Senior Health Network employees who volunteer their time to raise money by putting on events and programs throughout the year. These proceeds go directly to fund employee activities. In the past, OSHN has purchased tickets in bulk to Universal Studios and Orlando Magic games and sold them to employees at a discounted rate. Employee picnics and various other activities are also planned throughout the year. "This is a way for us to show our appreciation to our employees," said Paul Shea, Human Resource Director of Orlando Senior Health Network.
