With Gifts for Newborns

Presbyterian Volunteer Services will honor Marion Kellogg Van Devanter’s (Mrs. Van) birthday by giving gift bags to all babies going home from Presbyterian Hospital today.

Mrs. Van is an iconic figure at Presbyterian, where she served New Mexicans for more than 60 years. During her time at Presbyterian, her compassion and connection to the people of this community was unmatched. She helped shape the Presbyterian mission, values and culture present today.

Presbyterian is also celebrating the 60th anniversary of Volunteer Services. With help from Mrs. Van, an auxiliary was organized after a small group of woman met to see what they could do to help patients in the hospital. Today, in Albuquerque alone, more than 500 volunteers continue this legacy of community service. On average, volunteers donate more than 80,000 hours of service.

The newborns will receive a gift bag when they leave for home today. The bags include a homemade baby blanket and stuffed animal made by Presbyterian volunteers, a baby hat and a mini Huggies diaper supply box. The gift will include a note of explanation about Mrs. Van and her legacy at Presbyterian.
Members of the media are invited to attend the event today. Details are as follows:

WHAT: Presbyterian Celebrates Mrs. Van’s Birthday With Gifts For Newborns
WHEN: Friday, February 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Presbyterian Hospital, 1100 Central Ave.