FortBendNow.com

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, in collaboration with Fort Bend and Sugar Land Exchange Club and the Sugar Land Rotary, will provide free flu shots Nov. 14  to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy or clothing item to Methodist Sugar Land Hospital from 8 a.m.-noon in exchange for a flu shot. The toys and clothing will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.

Shown are (front row) Amy Saenz, Leena Taneja and (back row) Eva Short, Jackie Freeman and Kaelyn Stolhand.

“We are proud to partner with the local exchange clubs to provide this community offering. This is a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season,” said Chris Siebenaler, CEO of Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

In 2008, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to more than 3,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. Organizers of Santa’s Gift Exchange 2009 are anticipating an increase of qualifying families due to recent economic downturns.

“The statistics are showing that donations are down 20 percent overall this year, and everyone’s help is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for our children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said Lydia Bourg, chair of  Santa’s Gift Exchange 2009.

“Our community is well known for its philanthropic values so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys or clothing even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.

Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will be distributing a limited supply of the seasonal influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of egg and/or latex allergy. Those individuals wishing to receive the H1N1 vaccine should contact their primary care physician.