During cancer treatment, you shouldn’t have to worry about where you and your family’s next meal is coming from, and certainly not a Thanksgiving dinner, said Jill Pruitt, OPN-CG, LPN, Certified Oncology Navigator at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton (2200 Central Avenue).
That’s the simple thought that motivated the OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Oncology Department in August to create “The Caring Pantry,” a small, grocery-style set up at OSF Moeller Cancer Center. The Caring Pantry is supported by donations from the community and Mission Partners at OSF Saint Anthony’s.
“When our patients would come into the infusion center for treatments, we have snacks and drinks available, we offer hospital lunch, but more and more, we kept finding patients were asking to take extra snacks home for later, extra food so they’d have something to eat,” Pruitt says. This Thanksgiving marked The Caring Pantry’s second annual dinner donation, and 25 patients received all the food necessary to make a traditional Thanksgiving feast: turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, stuffing, a roasting pan and more.
Often, patients are unable to work while receiving treatment, waiting for disability approval or have no other resources, Pruitt says. “The Caring Pantry really helps those in need. We had one recipient, who couldn’t work while completing treatment. But after they went back to work, they returned with a large donation for the others as a gesture of her appreciation.”
The Caring Pantry is currently soliciting donations every day, including:
- Non-perishable food items
- Protein (canned tuna, chicken, peanut butter, beef sticks)
- Gloves, hats, socks and coats
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener, disinfectant and dish soap
To donate, contact Pruitt at jill.c.pruitt@osfhealthcare.org.
Learn more about the oncology services at OSF Moeller Cancer Center by visiting www.osfsaintanthonys.org.