The goal of WUMC’s annual Holiday Outreach Program is to reach out to community members who are in need each holiday season. Each department at Washington University School of Medicine adopts at least one needy family in Forest Park Southeast. Throughout the year WUMC is in contact with area agencies and community stakeholders to identify families with extraordinary circumstances for that year. Once a family is identified they are asked to fill out an application that indicates their family dynamics and their needs.

This year, the Holiday Outreach Program will serve 23 families from FPSE. Items covered under the program usually include food, clothing, bedding, bathroom supplies, school supplies, toys for children, small appliances, and utility assistance. “We receive 100% participation from each department. The staff and faculty members at the School of Medicine are very generous and truly do care about this neighborhood and are very eager to serve the needy families of this area,” stated Brian Phillips, Executive Director of WUMC.