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NOTE: The following information was published May 4, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19
Who doesn’t like Girl Scout cookies?
Clearly, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Schuylkill colleagues are quite fond of the annual delicacy, especially knowing the story behind their arrival at LVH–Schuylkill.
Two different Girl Scout troops have sent cookies to colleagues at LVH–Schuylkill. Ten-year-old Mikaela Rosenberger is a member of Girl Scout Troop 31260 in Valley View. Her mother, Hillary, is an ultrasound/mammography supervisor at LVH–Schuylkill. Rosa Gergely, age 14, is a member of Troop 31190 in Orwigsburg. She is the daughter of Kelly Gergely, PA-C, with LVH–Schuylkill.
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, both troops were unable to participate in the local booth sales this year. They decided to embark on a “give back” to the community effort – and that give-back was to the people at LVH–Schuylkill.
Their efforts resulted in the donation of more than 200 boxes of classic Girl Scout cookies – like Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalogs or Caramel deLites/Samoas – as well as the all new Lemon-Ups. Cookie distribution occurred throughout both hospital buildings in all areas, clinical and non-clinical.
“This donation recognizes our employees for their drive and dedication to the community during this stressful and uncertain moment in time,” says Hillary Smyk, ultrasound supervisor at LVH–Schuylkill. “We all face daily challenges with providing care to the community while trying to also continue to safely provide care at home for our families. This was a good opportunity to let everyone who works here know that the job they perform is appreciated.”
Both colleagues agreed that the lesson for their scouts is a valuable one. “I think it is wonderful that these young girls wanted to say thank you and that they were able to, in the simplest of ways, with the help of their family and friends,” says Gergely. “One of our donations came from a Pittsburgh nurse who praised the scouts and thanked them for their efforts.”
“This is a great way for these scouts to show their appreciation to our health care heroes,” says William “Bill” Reppy, LVH–Schuylkill President. “It is also a reinforces the Girl Scouts’ slogan to ‘do a good turn daily.’ The girls and their parents can be very proud.”