'Makes them feel good': Volunteers distribute Christmas stockings at Chinook Regional Hospital

LETHBRIDGE — A group of volunteers at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH) hopes to spread Christmas cheer one stocking and song at a time.

On Tuesday, volunteers distributed 300 stockings to each unit of CRH for nurses to hand out to patients on Christmas morning.

Along with handing out the stockings, volunteers filled the hallways and atrium with Christmas carols.

"It's a little bit of being in a not-so-nice place at Christmas, but to be able to have something come through that's a little colourful and have some music in the background, I'm sure it just makes them feel good," said Ruth Gronemeyer, who's been volunteering at the hospital for 16 years.

More than 300 volunteers helped pack and deliver the stockings as part of Operation Christmas Stocking.

"I've worked Christmas as a nurse, and it's a tough time for some patients because they really do not want to be in the hospital, but it is the best place for them at that point, so this just brings some extra cheer to the patients," said Colin Zieber, senior operating officer with Alberta Health Services.

Each hand-made stocking is filled with a variety of activities, art supplies, hygiene products and more.

The project has provided holiday cheer for more than 40 years.

"I find it quite rewarding as a volunteer to work here," said Gronemeyer.

"The staff all treat us wonderfully, so we're just glad to be here doing it."

With health-care staff working around the clock throughout the holidays, Zieber says the visits from volunteers are also a treat for them.

"There's a deep appreciation for our health-care teams, and that's not only the health-care staff who are providing direct patient care, but it's also all of our support staff,” said Zieber.

"We have staff who are working here in the kitchens, maintenance staff and housekeeping staff who work here, but also want to express deep appreciation for staff who work in the community."

Operation Christmas Stocking is funded every year by the Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital.