Day Kimball Healthcare Director of Development Kristen Willis delivers a wide array of personal care and warmth items to TEEG Community Outreach Coordinator Jason Bleau at the TEEG office in Thompson.

Day Kimball Healthcare collected more than three pallets’ worth of personal care items, hats, gloves and blankets through its first-ever Warmth & Wellness Holiday Drive. The items were delivered the week of January 8th to the DKH Family Advocacy Center, TEEG and Interfaith Human Services of Putnam’s Daily Bread pantry, so that they can be distributed to those in need.

The drive was held throughout December and into the first week of January. DKH staff and the public were invited to drop donations at designated Warmth and Wellness holiday trees at various DKH locations. Items collected included hundreds of toothbrushes and related dental hygiene products; hundreds of containers of body wash, soap, shampoo, deodorant and hand sanitizer; toilet paper and feminine products; facecloths and hand towels; laundry detergent and wet wipes; pillows, sheets, blankets and sleeping bags; and pajamas, socks, hats, and mittens for children and adults. More than 180 hats and mittens were also collected by the DKH Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic for distribution to their clients in need, as well.

“Items like these are always needed and welcome. Personal care items are an essential, but unfunded need, and we are grateful to be able to set some warm clothing and socks aside for those in our community who are struggling with homelessness, unfortunately, this is a continuing need in our area. The generosity and thoughtfulness of those who contributed to the program is clearly evident in the many wonderful items we received,” said TEEG Executive Director Anne Miller about the donations.

DKH President and CEO Anne Diamond says the plan is for the drive to become an annual tradition at DKH. 

“It was so wonderful to see the amazing outpouring of support from our staff and our patients in helping to care for our neighbors in need here in Northeast Connecticut. Our mission is centered on healthcare, but good health begins with caring for the whole person and making sure their needs for things like basic warmth and personal care are met. This drive was one way that we could pay tribute to that and support some of our incredible community partners who work to meet those needs all year through. I’m so thrilled to see what a success it turned out to be,” Diamond said.