PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Tis the season of giving, and Speare Memorial Hospital’s fourth annual Warm Hearts, Warm Hands tree is an example of our greater Speare community at work.

Critical Care Nurse Director Deb Thompson got the idea for the tree four years ago as a theme for another tree project Speare had gotten involved in. While a different theme was selected, Deb

decided to move forward with her idea as a way to meet a need. She says, “Working in the Emergency Department we were noticing people coming in not properly dressed for the weather—because they didn’t have the means to do so. By decorating a tree with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves for the taking, we were fulfilling a need at a time of year when people are looking for ways to give back.”
The tree itself was donated by Occupational Health Nurse Susan and Scheinman, and together with Deb and colleague Occupational Health Nurse Linda March, the three put up the tree just inside the Emergency Department entrance. Speare employees and volunteers load up the tree with hats, mittens and scarves, many of which are handmade. Those in need are invited to take items from the tree to help keep them warm. “And just when the tree is getting a little sparse,” notes Deb, “it magically fills up again.” It’s another example of that little something extra from Speare that is more than you expect.

Speare Memorial Hospital —a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth and the communities of central New Hampshire—is nationally ranked as a HealthStrongTM: Top 100 Critical Access Hospital. Visit online at www.speare2020.wpengine.com and join us on Facebook.