Salem Health Medical Group has built a tradition of collecting and donating new, unwrapped toys to children through Salem Police Department’s annual toy drive.

In 2016, SHMG donated over 2,000 toys. This year, SHMG teamed up with the rest of Salem Health to make the toy drive an even bigger success.

“It’s thrilling to be a part of bringing joy to a child during the holidays,” said SMHG Associate Chief Medical Officer Michelle Rasmussen, MD. “At the medical group, we’ve always been excited to come together to help these kids. With the full weight of Salem Health behind us, we’re excited to see the results.”

Salem Health and SHMG have been gathering the toys for the past two months. On Dec. 14, the toys were loaded onto Salem Health’s holiday float and transferred to a Salem Police SWAT van before they were sent to be wrapped and delivered to families.

“It was just a fantastic feeling and part of the broader picture of giving back and working with our very dear colleagues and friends who do so much for our community,” said Bahaa Wanly, Salem Health Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Salem Health Medical Group.

The 31st Annual Salem Police Toy Drive started Nov. 17, 2017 with the same commitment and enthusiasm police officers had back in 1986. Toys were accepted through December 13 at the Salem Police Department and a number of alternate locations listed on the SPD’s website. With donations from the public, the toy drive gives toys to approximately 250 families each year.



About Salem Health: Salem Health offers exceptional care to people in and around Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.