Suzy Lohman felt compelled to act when she learned that foster children treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center often lacked proper bags for their belongings. Inspired by a hospital newsletter request for suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks, Suzy launched a drive among EVS employees to collect these essential items. Many foster children, she knew, relied on trash bags to carry their clothes and personal items between homes and hospital visits.
With approval from EVS Resident Regional Director of Operations Adam Wilhite, Suzy quickly engaged roughly 424 EVS associates across the hospital’s four campuses. The project, held in January, coincided with a service initiative in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Led by the EVS team at the Liberty Hospital campus, Crothall associates collected about 150 suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks. Hospital-wide, approximately 400 items were donated to local charities, with the majority going to the hospital-supported foster care program.
“One reason the program was so successful is that donated items didn’t have to be new—they could be gently used,” says Suzy, who donated a duffel bag. “So, it could be a suitcase someone already had at home. In the end, we collected so many bags that the hospital sent someone to pick them up.”
EVS technician Amanda Holcomb donated several foldable duffel bags. “I felt I needed to contribute because I want to help anyone in need,” Amanda said. “I want foster kids to have something nice to carry their belongings.”
Alyssa Binik-Thomas, Training Manager, said motherhood inspired her donation. “As a mother of three, it hurt to know children in foster care were carrying their things in trash bags. My children had outgrown their Trunki suitcase, and I didn’t hesitate to make sure at least one child had something of their own. Children in foster care deserve love and the basic necessities of life. This is the bare minimum we can do.”
A Special Trophy for Crothall
To recognize the Crothall EVS team, Cincinnati Children’s held an awards breakfast, presenting a trophy to the team. The hospital also shared photos, a video with AI-generated images of children (to comply with HIPAA), and news stories on the intranet.
“The breakfast and trophy were a wonderful surprise,” says Lohman. “It’s another example of strong leadership at the hospital and how much they value everyone here, including Crothall.”
“The Crothall team provided the largest share of donations, and we wanted to show our appreciation,” says Haley Shropshire, the hospital’s community engagement director.
Crothall leaders plan to repeat the suitcase drive annually, aiming to collect at least 150 items next year.
“For our associates to step up and provide the largest amount of donations is heartwarming,” says Paul Easthon, Regional Director of Operations. “Their generosity, empathy, and dedication to the children made this effort especially meaningful.”
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