Staff in the VITAS Philadelphia program caught up on some classic books and movies this summer thanks to a week-long book sale to support their Sub-Saharan African partner, Khanya Hospice in South Africa.

“We asked staff members to build on their spring cleaning this year by thinking about those in need, and by bringing in old books and movies they no longer wanted,” said Donna Miller, Philadelphia’s Volunteer Services Manager and coordinator of the sale.

“Employees donated some classics—Moby Dick, A Tale of Two Cities, Robin Hood, Casablanca, Frankenstein and It’s a Wonderful Life. We also had many children’s books, Reader’s Digest magazines, CDs and exercise videos that sold quickly,” Donna said.

People from VITAS offices nearby also stopped in to support this good cause and to get some great deals. Even Tim O’Toole, VITAS President and CEO, who was visiting the Philadelphia program at the time, stopped in to shake a few hands, thank employees for their hard work, and make a purchase.

The program held a second one-day book sale at the VITAS Nazareth hospice inpatient unit. “Considering that the most expensive item sold for 50¢, we are proud of the total of $824 that we raised,” said Donna.

Donna received a thank-you card from Elizabeth, a representative from Khanya Hospice:

What a wonderful effort by all at VITAS Philadelphia! We are going to use the funds to begin purchasing basic foods for our indigent rural families who are suffering from the AIDS pandemic. Hunger is a huge problem, and our limited food supply has just run out. I can't express the extent of our joy at this wonderful gift.

Driving Out Hunger

Once they heard that the African patients need food, our Philadelphia program announced a food drive for Khanya Hospice. They are collecting dried milk, dried soups, cereals, vitamins and basic foods that can be prepared by adding water. (Liquid and canned items cannot be accepted due their weight.)

If you are interested in making a donation, contact Donna Miller at 6 10-260-6020.