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Health: Hospital Employees Raise Money To Buy Gifts For Patients During Holiday Season

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It's no fun being sick and hospitalized during the holiday season, so the people who work at Einstein Medical Center chip in to get their patients special gifts.

With a nurse subbing for Santa, and the gifts piled high, the employees at Einstein set out for their special deliveries.

"This is nice," said Marco Rosario a patient at Einstein Medical. "I didn't expect that. They didn't have to do that, you know, they're already nice."

It's called Adopt-a-Patient, and every year for the holidays, Einstein Health employees raise money to buy gifts for patients.

"It makes you feel great to do something for somebody," said Marianne Wittman, the nurse manager.

Marianne says this year they're giving out 1,100 Hug Me blankets.

"The holidays are joyous and special and happy, and for some they are and for other folks they're not," Marianne said. "So this little gift we hope makes a difference in their life."

It did for 90-year-old Gorden Face, who's hospitalized with heart trouble.

"They got so much going on," Gorden said. "Why would they think of a blanket for something like this? It's great. I'm very appreciative."

"I'm still kicking so I have nothing to complain about," Gorden added.

Sandra Du Bose isn't complaining either, her Christmas present was learning her heart is holding up. The blanket was an unexpected bonus.

"I really appreciate this," Sandra said. "This is awesome."

The Einstein employees have raised $13,000 so far this year for the Adopt-a-Patient holiday gifts. For more information on how you can help, go to www.einstein.edu.

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