Salem Health employees are once again teaming up to help local children and families for the new school year.

They’re taking part in the month-long School Supply Drive organized by the Salem-Keizer Education Foundation (SKEF) and Salem-Keizer Public Schools.

“For the past few years, Salem Health has been the biggest community champion in the annual School Supply Drive,” said Shannon Priem, School Supply Drive Chair at Salem Health. “Together we can show kids and families in need how much they matter.”

Organizers placed collection barrels or bins at seven locations around the Salem Hospital campus. They encourage employees to get into the spirit by decorating the barrels and bins. The winner will get a frozen yogurt party for staff hosted by SKEF.

Donations for the drive are also appearing in the form of cash. Employees from the Salem Health Heart & Vascular Center recently collected a packet of loose change that totaled nearly $20.

The School Supply Drive runs through Aug. 31. Needed supplies include everything from notebooks, markers and glue sticks to baby wipes and alarm clocks. A complete list is available online at skeducationfoundation.org/pages/school_supply_drive.

Salem Health is comprised of Salem Hospital, West Valley Hospital, Willamette Health Partners and other affiliated health care organizations offering exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. The prestigious 2015 Truven Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals named Salem Hospital among the highest performing hospitals in the nation—and the only Oregon hospital, and one of two Pacific Northwest hospitals, to receive this honor. “Like” us on Facebook; follow us on Twitter; and view us at YouTube.