During a recent snowstorm in Philadelphia, Temple Health continued its operations despite challenging weather conditions. The hospital notified patients that some appointments or services might be adjusted and encouraged them to check the Temple Health website for updates.
In response to the storm, Antonnette Thompson, a NICU nurse at Temple Women & Families Hospital, prepared 65 care packages for her colleagues who worked through the inclement weather. Thompson explained her motivation: “I’m always out in the community serving our neighbors. But I really felt compelled to do something when I heard about the storm. I only live 11 minutes from Women & Families, and I thought, ‘If people are coming from so much farther away to take care of our patients, I want to do something nice for them.’”
The care packages included items such as socks, lotion, combs, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, body wash, and affirmational messages. These were distributed among staff members at the hospital. Thompson described the reaction from her colleagues: “I had people texting and calling me all day to say, ‘Oh my God, that was so nice! We really appreciate it!’ It was so exciting, and it felt so good. It shows that, if you pour yourself into others, the universe will pay you back tenfold.”
Sharon Kurfuerst, Executive Director of Temple Women & Families Hospital, commented on Thompson’s efforts: “Temple Women & Families is all about caring for those around us, from our patients and community to our team members. We’re proud to have employees like Antonnette, who embody that promise in everything they do.”
Thompson added: “At Temple Women & Families, we’re always here for you. Even in a snowstorm, we care for those who need us—and I wanted to let our team members know they’re cared for as well.”
