Share the Warmth: A Coat Drive for Patients in Need

In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, we're again teaming up with the Emergency Department to host a winter coat drive to provide a warm coat to patients in need who are awaiting discharge from the hospital, and you too can help make this annual initiative a success by donating a new or gently used men’s winter coat at one of our conveniently-located collection bins at URMC and in Penfield.

Chance Encounter Leads New Group of Friends to Donate 3000+ Teddy Bears

Several skilled and generous ladies from Fairport’s Legends at Whitney Senior Apartment Community were among the first to donate hand-sewn face masks via our pop-up donation center back in March 2020, and before long that chance encounter in the earliest days of the pandemic led to this new group of friends stepping up to keep our long-running teddy bears initiative—which provides comfort and support to pediatric patients throughout Strong Memorial and Golisano Children’s hospitals—going strong. 

Pandemic Perseverance: How Our Volunteers are Making an Impact

As we look toward National Volunteer Week 2021, Friends of Strong reflects on a remarkable year of perseverance for our community, and for our volunteers. The pandemic has led to countless changes in our community, and the absence of more than 1,300 smiling volunteers we’re used to seeing in the Med Center is among the most significant. Since COVID-19’s first emerged in our community, Friends of Strong has worked hard to redesign our volunteer program to provide additional training and protocols to safely welcome back our crew of enthusiastic volunteers.

Teaming Up to Provide Warmth and Comfort for Patients in Need

In anticipation of the cold Rochester winter that lies ahead, Friends of Strong is again teaming up with the Emergency Department to host a winter coat drive to provide a warm coat to patients in need who are awaiting discharge from the hospital. This year, Advantage Federal Credit Union is also joining in to help make the annual initiative a success by “hosting” donation bins at their URMC and Penfield branch locations.

Strong's Pet Therapy Dogs Back for Another Year of Endless Cuddles

Back by pupular demand—our 2020 PET Therapy Dog wall calendar featuring our adorable (and growing) pack of therapy dogs is now available at the Friends of Strong Gift Shop. Even better, all proceeds from the calendars benefit patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital.