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Young patients at Virtua Voorhees Hospital received a touch of holiday magic recently when the Joseph Lacroce Foundation hosted its ninth annual toy delivery.
A caravan of classic and collector cars traveled to the hospital, where an assembly line of volunteers unloaded dozens of donated gifts.
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Leading the line-up was Virtua’s Mobile Pediatric Unit, a specially equipped van that brings much-needed health services to children in underserved communities.
Virtua launched the mobile program in spring 2018 thanks to a $1 million donation from the Lacroce Foundation. Services include developmental screenings, lead testing and education, and flu shots.
The Joseph Lacroce Foundation is a Cherry Hill-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the hospital experience for children throughout South Jersey. President Sam Lacroce established the foundation in 2011 in memory of his son Joseph, who passed away from leukemia in 1975 at age 12.
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“Our supporters are always excited to participate in the toy run because it recalls the true spirit of the season,” said Sam Lacroce. “The toys and games do a lot to help make the hospital experience less stressful for the kids. We thank everyone for their generosity.”
“For me, this event marks the start of the holiday season,” said Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE. “Few things are as rewarding as watching a child’s face light up with joy; it’s something Sam Lacroce understands better than anyone.”
About Virtua Health:
Virtua Health is committed to helping the people of South Jersey be well, get well, and stay well by providing the complete spectrum of advanced, accessible, and trusted health care services.
Virtua’s 14,000 colleagues provide tertiary care, including a renowned cardiology program, complemented by a community-based care portfolio. In addition to five hospitals, two satellite emergency departments, and more than 280 other locations, Virtua brings health services directly into communities through home health, rehabilitation, mobile screenings, and its paramedic program.
Virtua has 2,850 affiliated doctors and other clinicians, and its specialties include orthopedics, advanced surgery, and maternity. Virtua is affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neuroscience, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.
As a not-for-profit, Virtua is committed to the well-being of the community and provides innovative outreach programs that address social challenges affecting health, from addiction and other behavioral issues to lack of nutritious food and stable housing.
A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Virtua has received many awards for quality, safety, and its outstanding work environment.
For more information, visit ThisIsVirtua.org. To help Virtua make a difference, visit GiveToVirtua.org.