December 16, 2024
At HHS, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. A perfect example of this is the annual food drive led by the Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) team at Danville Regional Medical Center. For more than 15 years, this tradition has provided vital support to local families, and this year’s event, led by Dorothy McGraw, an assistant director of FNS ( Food and Nutrition Services), and Marlin Vilius, an Assistant Director of EVS (Environmental Health Services), was no exception. Together, they helped the team collect over 500 pounds of food, making a lasting impact on the community while strengthening the bonds within the team.
A Longstanding Tradition of Giving Back
The food drive at Danville Regional began over 15 years ago as a way to help the local food bank, God's Storehouse. “We started this due to a need at our local food bank,” explains Dorothy McGraw, who has been at the heart of the initiative since its inception. Over the years, what started as a simple event has blossomed into a beloved annual tradition, reflecting the team’s deep commitment to their community.
This year, the drive gained even more energy when Marlin Vilius, Chair of the HHS Shared Services Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team, reached out to Dorothy to collaborate. “Marlin mentioned wanting to participate in whatever he could to give back to the community,” Dorothy recalls. With Marlin’s enthusiasm and Dorothy’s experience joining forces, the food drive turned into a team-wide effort.
Teamwork Makes It Happen
Dorothy and Marlin’s collaboration brought new life to the food drive. They rallied their teams and worked closely with the facility’s marketing department to spread the word, using flyers and emails to encourage participation. To sweeten the pot, they added a friendly competition: the department donating the most pounds per team member would win a catered meal. This year, the MIS (Management Information Systems) department took home that prize, but the real victory was in the generosity shown by everyone who contributed.
The FNS team even dedicated their small dining room as the collection point, where the donations piled up quickly. Thanks to this teamwork and creative collaboration, the drive was a resounding success!
A Direct Impact on Local Families
The 566 pounds of food collected went directly to God’s Storehouse, a lifeline for families in need. “The food goes directly to families in our town,” shares Marlin, emphasizing how personal the impact is. This local food bank not only provides food, but also clothing and other essentials, making it an invaluable resource for the community.
Building Culture Through Service
This food drive wasn’t just about donations—it was about fostering a sense of shared purpose and reflecting HHS’s values of community, compassion, and teamwork. “Our team is always willing to help and give back,” Dorothy says proudly. Events like these bring the team closer together while making a difference in the lives of others.
Dorothy and Marlin’s leadership exemplifies the power of community-driven efforts, showing how even a small local initiative can grow into something extraordinary when a team comes together.
Continuing Tradition
Inspired by this year’s success, Marlin is eager to carry the tradition forward as he transitions to new accounts. By replicating the food drive at other locations, he hopes to continue spreading the culture of giving back and strengthening ties with local communities.
The dedication shown by Dorothy, Marlin, and the entire Danville Regional team underscores the heart of HHS—service, leadership, and a commitment to making the world a little brighter for those who need it most.