The Season of Giving

As summer turns to autumn we invariably begin to think about the holiday season — the season of giving. No doubt, many of us view this year differently from years past.

We have all been called upon to weather many challenges in the past year or so — from the continuing war on terrorism to a sustained economic downturn and now new budget woes in Massachusetts.

Despite these challenges, Southcoast has had terrific successes in the past year.

• Our cardiac surgery program began, making vital lifesaving heart procedures available close to home. Southcoast’s open heart program was more than five years in the making and took the efforts of a great many people to happen — from lawmakers to physicians to staff to many of you.
• We expanded our diagnostic imaging capabilities, ensuring that more people who need CT scans and MRI now have timely access to those services.
• We purchased new hospital beds, refurbished older patient rooms and added critical new physiological monitoring equipment and telemetry at all three hospitals.
• We started a new continuing education program for our nurses to retain and recruit the very best, most caring staff.

These accomplishments were made possible by the spirit of giving in so many of our friends and neighbors. E. P. “Chuck” Charlton continued an 80-year family tradition by pledging $2 million from the Charlton Family Trusts to help fund the cardiac surgery program. A special grant made the nursing education program possible. And countless other gifts of all sizes made possible the improvements that help us carry out our mission of caring for the health of the community.

This year, as you contemplate your end-of-the-year gifts, there is even more incentive. After December 31, 2002, the tax deduction for charitable donations in Massachusetts will be eliminated to help balance the state budget — an act that will have repercussions on all of us for years to come.

Now more than ever it is important for you to remember your community hospital during the season of giving. Sending your monetary gift by December 31 allows you a tax deduction you may not see for many years.

Before year end, please be as generous as possible in support of your community hospital. Doing so will benefit yourself and your entire community.

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