Macon Reporter

HSHS Home Care is conducting its annual "Cram the Car" food drive this February, aligning with National Canned Food Month. The initiative aims to support local food pantries and address food insecurity within the community.

Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care, expressed her enthusiasm for the event: “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” she said. “It’s a privilege to deliver their generous donations. Let’s see how many cars we can fill!”

The organization has partnered with HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville to encourage donations of nonperishable items or monetary contributions on specified dates.

In Decatur, collections will occur on Monday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with items going to Catholic Charities in Decatur. Donations can be made at an HSHS Home Care car stationed by the colleague entrance/receiving area on the north side of St. Mary’s Hospital.

In Shelbyville, collections are set for Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., benefiting the First United Methodist Church food pantry in Shelbyville. An HSHS Home Care car will be available by Good Shepherd Hospital's patient entrance on the west side.

The suggested donation list includes boxed meals like Hamburger Helper and Rice-a-Roni, pancake mix and syrup, jelly, pasta sauce, cereal, granola bars, sugar-free canned fruit, low-salt canned vegetables, and large boxes of oatmeal. Donors are reminded to verify expiration dates before donating.

For more information about participating or contributing to "Cram the Car," individuals can visit HSHS Home Care's website or contact Valerie Engelbart directly at Valerie.Engelbart@hshs.org.

HSHS Home Care provides various services aimed at helping patients maintain independence through physical therapy; occupational therapy; speech-language therapy; wound care; cardiac rehabilitation; stroke care; pain management; hospice and palliative care; fall risk assessment; and pediatric care.

Accredited by The Joint Commission—a nonprofit organization evaluating health care organizations globally—HSHS Home Care emphasizes quality and safety in patient care across its operations worldwide.