Over 765 books to United Way of Suwannee Valley's Reading Pals program

HCA Florida Lake City Hospital, a part of HCA Florida Healthcare, showed up for North Florida residents with its third annual We Show Up for Our Communities week of service in April. Physicians and colleagues from HCA Florida Lake City Hospital volunteered through United Way of Suwannee Valley’s Reading Pals Program to meet the needs of the communities where we live and work.

“Reading is the foundation for students developing their learning skills and succeeding in school,” said Jennifer Anchors, executive director of United Way of Suwannee Valley. “The donated books will provide students with the opportunity to create their own reading library at home and encourage not only the student but also family members to read.”

In partnership with United Way of Suwannee Valley, HCA Florida Lake City Hospital collected over 765 books for elementary school students who participate in the Reading Pals Program. On April 19, physicians and colleagues sorted and packed the books into drawstring bags for students to take home during the summer. Currently, 125 students within Columbia, Suwannee and Hamilton counties are enrolled in the program.

“The service we provide patients goes beyond the hospital as we show up to serve our community through volunteering and donations,” said Lindsey Covington, director of communications and community engagement at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. “The We Show Up for Our Communities week of service is one of many volunteering efforts that provides opportunities to support the community throughout the year.”

During April, HCA Florida Lake City Hospital also volunteered by packing food at Catholic Charities, painting pinkies with the Rotary Club of Lake City for the Purple Pinky Project, and transporting food for Altrusa of Lake City’s Backpack Program. A total of 30 physicians and colleagues volunteered during the annual We Show Up for Our Communities week of service.

As Florida's leading healthcare network, HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to creating healthier tomorrows for communities across the state through volunteering time, making charitable donations and partnering with other organizations. In 2023, HCA Florida Healthcare colleagues from 650 facilities volunteered more than 29,000 hours and committed more than $1.6 million to community partner organizations in the Sunshine State. We Show Up for Our Communities is part of HCA Healthcare’s enterprise-wide focus to not only provide the quality healthcare our patients deserve, but to also show up to address needs in our community.