Northeast Medical Group shines with holiday spirit

(l-r): Sonia Stavens, RN; and Rachel Branch, CMA

Amid a challenging year, the spirit of the holiday season remained very active at Northeast Medical Group.

As part of their annual Toys for Tots drive, members of NEMG’s Community Outreach Committee (COC) from the Bridgeport and Greenwich regions collected and presented over 400 new, unwrapped toys to the U.S. Marines. Partnering with the United Way of Greater New Haven, New Haven region COC members organized a collection of 135 coats and winter accessories for families in need. In addition, hundreds of toys were donated to children ranging from infancy through age 18.

“While we were all challenged by the COVID-19 social distancing rules regarding collecting for this year’s NEMG Toys For Tots drive, we were still able to deliver to an organization that makes a difference in the lives of children who would have gone without this past Christmas,” said Robert Mitchell, chair, NEMG Community Outreach. “We continue to collaborate with our community partners throughout all of our regions, and I am proud to be a part of an organization that is committed to helping those in need in the communities we serve.”

The New London region forged ahead with their annual toy drive to benefit Safe Futures – a foundation for women and families escaping domestic violence. Sonia Stavens, RN, and Rachel Branch, CMA, of NEMG Family Medicine - Old Lyme collected and delivered over 320 toys to the shelter. Special thanks to Tracy Cottrell, administrative associate, for distributing flyers, and to all NEMG New London region COC members and staff for their assistance and donations.

“This year’s toy drive was more important than ever, given the increase in families that have been impacted by COVID-19,” said Stavens. “I would like to thank our community for coming together during this public health emergency. We were able to provide gifts to over 300 children this holiday season. This brings comfort and hopefulness during a time that is difficult for so many.”

NEMG practices from Stonington, CT, and Westerly, RI, collected nearly 100 personal care and toiletry items, including bar soap, body wash, shampoo and deodorant, along with snacks, juice boxes and bottled water for the WARM Center -an emergency shelter that provides community outreach and food to those in need in the Westerly region.