By Shea Wright

What do you consider a gift that keeps on giving?

For team members at VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH), it’s giving back.

All year long, CMH embraces uncommon compassion and giving, but during the holiday season, the spirit of giving and community comes alive in a different way.

One of the most cherished events at the hospital is the Holiday Angels Loving Others program, HALO for short. The long-standing initiative has brought together employees, their families, and the broader community for over a decade to ensure the children of South Hill and the surrounding counties experience the magic of the holiday season.

Team members share in the magic of the season dropping off toys to brighten the holidays for the annual HALO program for kids in Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Lunenburg counties. (Wendy Farley, VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital)

Coordinated each year by Wendy Farley, CMH’s director of radiology, and Kimberly Walker, diagnostic supervisor & PACS coordinator for radiology, the HALO program receives a list of children from the surrounding counties Social Services program.

"At CMH, the HALO program is something we all look forward to every year," Farley said about the annual tradition that kicks off each year in November. "It’s incredible to see so many people come together to make a difference in a short amount of time.”

This year, the HALO program will brighten the holidays for 127 children from Mecklenburg, Brunswick, and Lunenburg counties. By blending the efforts of hospital staff and community members, the HALO program continues to spread hope and joy, one family at a time.

“When you see all these efforts come together, the hospital and the community, it really goes to show how important this program is to this community,” Farley said. “It’s my favorite holiday tradition.”

The HALO program is just one of many holiday traditions at CMH making memories for hospital employees and community members alike. From the annual tree lighting ceremony to a joyful breakfast with beloved holiday characters, this season is already one to remember. Here’s a look at some of the highlights bringing together warmth and cheer to the CMH community and beyond:

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus brought magic to the VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony as third graders from First Christian School in South Hill serenaded the crowd with holiday tunes. (Shea Wright, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

CMH Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Third graders from First Christian School in South Hill helped kick off the holiday season at the hospital’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. They sang a mashup of holiday favorites like Jingle Bell Rock and Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.

The ceremony, hosted by the hospital’s auxiliary staff is the culminating event for the “Tree of Love” fundraiser for the Elizabeth T. Moseley Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for employees who want to further their education.

CMH team members browse items from the employee bazaar talent and holiday spirit while bringing coworkers and community together. (Carrie Poythress, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Employee Bazaar

Talented CMH team members showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit at the annual Holiday Bazaar, offering handmade gifts and delicious treats like decorated mugs, custom t-shirts, gift baskets, and jewelry that can be used for gift giving for every holiday need.

CMH team members, their families, and community members pose in front of the VCU Health LifeEvac helicopter for breakfast with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. (Carrie Poythress, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Pancake Character Breakfast

Families and South Hill community members gathered for a magical morning at the CMH cafeteria. Chef Troy Waugh served up pancakes with a side of smiles and laughter for kids of all ages. Guests were treated to a special visit from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, The Grinch from Whoville and VCU’s LifeEvac helicopter, adding another touch of excitement to an already unforgettable day.

CMH team members waved to parade onlookers in downtown South Hill, celebrating community and holiday traditions. (Shea Wright, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

South Hill Parade

CMH team members participated in this year’s Christmas parade in South Hill. They passed out candy and spread the message of a happy and healthy holiday season on a float decked out in ballons with VCU’s signature colors of black and gold. Team members also shared their creativity and holiday spirit along South Hill’s Main Street, where custom nutcrackers of a nurse and doctor adorn two light poles.

As the holiday season at the hospital wraps up, there are still more events to come. Be sure to check out the CMH Facebook page to view upcoming events including the gingerbread house contest. We hope you will join CMH in celebrating the strength of the community throughout the holiday season.