Published: November 23, 2008 11:29 pm         

Benshoff Hill woman’s efforts bring gifts to troops

Mary Gehlman and her co-workers at Davita Dialysis in Richland Township are always thinking of ways to help others.

Recently, the nearly 30 employees of Davita, along with the assistance of their patients, sent care packages to troops serving in Iraq and raised money to fight kidney awareness.

Today they will begin a six-week project to collect food for area food pantries. Once again, their patients will be glad to help them.

Gehlman said the Davita office on Budfield Street in Richland and its satellite office in Ebensburg conduct projects throughout the year to help in the community.

In September, Davita, which has kidney dialysis treatment centers nationwide, held its annual Katwalk event to raise money for kidney awareness.

Gehlman spearheaded the project locally with about $550 being raised. The money raised will be used for education and screenings.

“We go to fairs and other events to distribute educational material to people,” she said.

“People just don’t realize that disorders like high blood pressure and diabetes can cause kidney problems. Many people don’t know they have either of the disorders.”

Therefore education and screening are important in fighting kidney problems, she said.

Gehlman said Davita units nationwide work on community-service projects yearlong.

In September, Gehlman and her co-workers started thinking of another project to conduct.

Gehlman came up with the idea of helping the troops and took charge of the project in which 21 boxes of personal hygiene items, snacks, playing cards and other items were delivered.

“They were wonderful,” she said about the support from co-workers and patients. “They brought items in by the bagful.”

She said everyone thought it was great to do a project to help the troops.

“The servicemen and women are over there,” she said.

“They’re away from their families. They’re making sacrifices for us. It’s the least we can do.”

Gehlman, who has a nephew serving his third tour in Iraq, said many of their male patients had served in the military.

“You could tell by their generosity that they know what it is like (to serve overseas),” she said.

The care packages let the soldiers know that they have not be forgotten, she said.

For her efforts, Gehlman, a Benshoff Hill resident, is the Person of the Week.

Linda Wallace, a co-worker, said Gehlman did a great job on both projects.

Gehlman is a kindhearted person who would do anything for anybody, she said.

Trina Lutch, administrator of the Richland office, said the troops have sent thank you cards and photographs of themselves in appreciation of the care packages.

She likewise said Gehlman did a great job on the projects.

Two of Davita’s core projects are service and excellence and Gehlman demonstrates those qualities every day at work and elsewhere, she said.

     

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.