(FORT MORGAN, COLO.) January 15, 2025 - As part of its mission of improving the health of the people they serve, especially those who are vulnerable, CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital provides free essential items to individuals and families in our community experiencing hardship through its Care Closet. The St. Elizabeth Care Closet offers clothing, toiletries, feminine products, and other necessities.
“We believe access to these basic needs is crucial for overall health and well-being, and we are proud to offer this support to those who need it,” said St. Elizabeth President John Swanhorst. “This collaborative effort provides a vital safety net for individuals and families facing challenging circumstances, offering essential resources and a helping hand that extends beyond our hospital walls.”
The closet can be accessed by any St. Elizabeth staff member who has interacted with a patient or community member that has voiced a need. As of now, the closet is not open to the public, but any materials will be provided to anyone that inquires.
Currently, the hospital can help provide toiletry bags that include soap, shampoo, comb, toothpaste, toothbrush, lip balm, lotion, and feminine products. They also have coats, shoes and socks, clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, and scarves for both children and adults.
“Because of the generosity and support the closet has so far received, we were able to participate in a local community event this past December where we handed out over 50 coats and an abundance of hats and gloves to community members in need, said St. Elizabeth Practice Manager Nichole Hunter. “We felt this would be a great way for us to share our mission and serve those in our community that enter our facility without judgement, while providing our employees the opportunity to give back to our community on a regular and continuous basis.”
For those looking to help support the closet or donate items, there is a donation box located in the St. Elizabeth lobby where materials can be dropped off. Individuals can also contact Nichole Hunter at [email protected] to schedule a pickup for the materials. Due to the high demand, the most in-need items currently are children's winter coats, hats and gloves (all sizes), and men's clothing sizes medium and large that are in good and clean condition.
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
