Edmond Medical Center Leads "Adopt-A-School" Efforts

Edmond Medical Center (EMC) in Edmond, Oklahoma is leading that city’s “Adopt-A-School” effort by becoming the first business to participate in the Edmond Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce program.

Leslie Buford, director of communications and community relations at EMC says that the hospital’s decision to participate was solidified when many of the staff there visited Orvis Risner Elementary School and were shocked to find out that many of the children lacked basic life necessities.

 “We were stunned that a school in Edmond was almost entirely a Title 9 school (free lunch and breakfast program). Like many others here in the city, we just presumed that the high quality of life transferred over to our elementary students,” Buford said.

In a news report from Edmond Life & Leisure by reporter Adrienne Nobles, Buford was quoted, “After taking a tour of the school and meeting with the principals, we felt this was a project we were called to take on and could really put our stamp on the school.”

Volunteers from EMC decided to hold a shoe drive among employees after discovering that Orvis Risner Elementary had a shoe closet for students who show up at school without a suitable pair of shoes. The students were allowed to borrow a pair of shoes to wear for the day.

 “Once we heard this we decided to hold a shoe drive so our students at Risner could have at least one pair of shoes that are clean, fit their feet and most importantly, are theirs to own, “Buford said.

The drive resulted in more than 140 pairs of shoes plus socks, scarves and hats. EMC later participated in the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s “Backpacks for Education” program which provides a backpack full of food each Friday for children in need to have for the weekend. Other plans include planting a working garden with students in order to start a healthy eating program under the guidance of EMC dieticians.

“We have gotten as much out of the partnership as the school has and it has really helped build a bigger sense of community around the hospital. It is nice to know that we can care for others in a different way beyond our normal practices,” said Buford.