Those seeking a way to share the Christmas spirit throughout the community may now support the local Angel Tree project that provides clothing for children who need a helping hand.

The decorated Angel Tree is located in the lobby at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll, Larned.

The angelic ornaments represent individual children. Names are not used; coded numbers identify the youngsters. Ages, clothing sizes and favorite colors are indicated.

“We encourage folks to select an angel as soon as they can,” said Lori Milch, Angel Tree project coordinator and health record analyst. “However, because of the many COVID-19 precautions here at the hospital, we want to limit the amount of traffic in the lobby.”

Those who prefer not to visit the hospital in person are welcome to call Milch to request an angel. Her numbers are 620-285-8857 and 620-923-5643.

Unwrapped gifts should be delivered to the hospital by Monday, Dec. 6. Even though they are not wrapped, it is helpful if they are boxed.

“This annual project could not have been so successful over the years without the tremendous support from other groups and individuals,” Milch noted. “For example, the hospital’s Auxiliary helps with clothing donations, while collecting boxes and wrapping paper. They also help wrap the packages.”

This type of teamwork extends far beyond Pawnee Valley Campus. Fort Larned Lions Club gathers the names of families who need help and provides information about ages and sizes. They also donate food baskets to the families. Lions members deliver the food and clothing too.

Included in the deliveries are toys that Larned High School gathers after learning about ages and wish lists. This information is placed on the school’s Toy Tree.

“Our hospital has offered the Angel Tree for many years thanks to my co-workers and this widespread community support,” Milch commented. “Pawnee Valley employees love to get involved with this and other local projects.

“We are sincerely grateful to the Auxiliary, Lions Club, high school and everyone else who has helped with their time, money and talent. They are making the Christmas season a little brighter for local and area families.”

A Pawnee County native has returned to her hometown and is serving the whole community as the new marketing and communications director at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus.

Marie Norris, a Burdett native, has been getting to know her new colleagues and re-acquainting herself with the community. She recently returned from Fort Worth, Tx., where she earned two degrees at Texas Christian University.

“I am so happy to be home and working at the hospital and clinic,” Norris said. “The culture here at Pawnee Valley is great. Everyone is super friendly and supportive in this beautiful facility.

“The hospital is a big part of the solid foundation of Pawnee County. It is an honor and privilege to be here and I am eager to contribute in any way I can.”

While her job description is lengthy, the bottom line is “I want to ensure our message is heard throughout central Kansas. We offer a vast amount of services and I want to share this information with local and area media and the entire community.”

This includes participating in events such as the recent Larned Area Chamber of Commerce Fall Frenzy and the Women’s Expo in Great Bend. “These were my first events and l look forward to many more,” Norris commented.

Her short-term goals include learning more about the hospital and other entities in Pawnee County. “I then hope to work on some long-term goals with my colleagues and other members of our great community.”

Norris earned her bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in general business in 2019; she went on to graduate in 2021 with a master’s in business administration at TCU.

While at college, Norris played Division I tennis and served as team captain for four years. She also was assistant coaching coordinator for children at the Bayard Friedman Tennis Center.

Previous employment includes serving as business development operations specialist at Norris Propane Gas Co. in Burdett.

Melanie Urban, Pawnee Valley Campus administrator, said “Marie is already starting to build relationships in the hospital and throughout the community. She will play a big role in ensuring we do all we can to meet the needs and expectations of our community.”