At Metro Offices, corporate social responsibility isn't just something we talk about or pay lip service to -- it's in our DNA. That's why we annually partner with a non-profit organization to turn our compassion into a real impact.
This year, we've partnered with the DC-based Eliana's Light, a nonprofit that helps and supports children with complex medical conditions and their caregivers and siblings, to collect and supply gift bags to mothers and fathers of such youngsters. The 501(c)(3) organization was founded by Whitney and Orlando Ortiz after the 2016 passing of their 3-year-old daughter Eliana, who suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart is enlarged and does not pump sufficiently).
Metro Offices is collecting toiletries, self-care items and gift cards in $10 denominations to Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Dunkin', Chipotle, CVS and Walgreens to fill gift bags to be given on Mother's Day and Father's Day this year to the parents of children with complex conditions.
"Our hope is that these items will perhaps brighten the spirits and lessen the loads of these moms and dads, as they will be spending the day at their hospitalized children's bedsides," Metro Offices founder Kathlene Buchanan said. "We want to try to make these two days -- which should be filled with fun and celebration of mother- and fatherhood -- a little bit more 'normal.'"
This month marks the four-year anniversary of the passing of Eliana Ortiz, who was the first person in the Washington area to receive a Berlin Heart, a ventricular-assist device that pumps blood for a patient until a transplant can be obtained.
The partnership between Metro Offices and Eliana's Light is aiming to fill and distribute at least 600 gift bags -- which will contain such items as lip balm, body lotion, small journals, earplugs, and heat wraps -- on each of the two holidays. The bags will be distributed at eight local hospitals: Children's National Hospital, Inova Children's Hospital, HSC's Pediatric Center, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, John's Hopkins Children's Center, the Children's Inn at NIH and the Kennedy Krieger Institute.
Collection bins, along with flyers noting most-requested items, have been set up in the reception areas at Metro Offices spots. Individuals wishing to make an impact through the partnership are encouraged to drop off items at one of our nine DC and DC-area locations. Those wishing to make a financial donation instead so that Metro Offices can purchase the goods for them can email Korie Mulkowsky at korie@metroffice.com.
Since its founding in 1989 Metro Offices and its team members have volunteered at and raised funds for many causes, including Autism Speaks, Embry Rucker Community Shelter, Suicide Prevention and Cancer Awareness. For many years Ms. Buchanan has personally sponsored local organizations Jill's House and The House DC.
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