Eagle Scout Makes Face Coverings
Inspired to make a difference for frontline health care heroes during the
COVID-19 pandemic, assistant senior patrol leader Tristan Pacleb designed
his Eagle Scout project around sewing and donating 200 reusable face coverings
for use by Torrance Memorial staff. Tristan enlisted help from his fellow
Troop 211 Boy Scouts and managed shifts to maintain appropriate social
distancing on the back patio of his home. With borrowed sewing machines—including
his grandmother’s (who also provided sewing lessons)—the face
coverings were completed. Tristan, his parents and sister Mia delivered
the face coverings to Torrance Memorial on July 21. Tristan has close
connections to Torrance Memorial since his father, Glenn, is an operating
room RN and his mother, Michelle, worked as an LVN for Home Health & Hospice.
Miles for the Front Line
Katie Chung, a South High Torrance sophomore, set a goal for the month
of May to run 136 miles and raise $1,000 for Torrance Memorial through
a GoFundMe page. As a team member for cross-country and track, Katie loves
to run and she says she “wanted to be able to make a difference
by doing what I love most: running.” Katie exceeded her goal by
running 141.39 miles (May 4–31) and raised $1,180, which she presented
to VP/chief nursing officer Mary Wright and VP of nursing Shanna Hall
on June 8. Katie says, “I wanted to give back to the many people
on the front lines who are working tirelessly to help our community.”
Thank you, Katie!
Facebook Birthday Fundraiser Goes Viral
Feeling profoundly grateful to Torrance Memorial after a lifesaving procedure
and spending a week in the hospital recovering, Christopher Wong posted
a birthday wish on social media. His wish asked for donations to go directly
to Torrance Memorial in recognition of the great care he received. He
raised $2,228.
Starbucks for Stars
The North America Taiwanese Women’s Association and Torrance city
councilman George Chen presented the Torrance Memorial environmental services
(EVS) management with 52 Starbucks $10 gift cards to honor the tireless
work of EVS staff during COVID-19. George Chen (councilman, city of Torrance),
Marvin Cruz-Santanta (EVS staff), Merlin Yang (president-elect, NATWA-SC),
Gabby Sanchez (EVS staff), Rosalina Blanco (EVS staff), Jesse Castaneda
(director EVS), Linda Wu (NATWA) Photographed by Dan Nguyen
Serving and Giving - Luminaries and Novas Class of 2020 Graduating Seniors
The Luminaries and Novas of Torrance Memorial Medical Center are nonprofit
volunteer groups founded in 1990, involving mothers and their high school
children (Novas) who provide services and financial donations to the hospital.
To date they have donated more than $500,000 to support many important
hospital projects.
This year, more than 6,000 hours were volunteered in escort services, Torrance
Memorial fundraisers and community events on campus. The group brings
smiles to patients with donations of blankets, hospitality kits and decorations
in the transitional care unit. Luminaries president, Dr. Alice Diego-Malit,
announced the 2020 class donations of $10,000 to Torrance Memorial Foundation
and “wish list” items valued at $2,000 to the neonatal intensive
care, pediatric and burn units.
The 2020 graduating class of 18 seniors celebrated their successes virtually
due to social distancing requirements with a congratulatory senior gift
package of novelty items including leis, gift cards, DVD and photos to
celebrate at home with their families. Now more than ever, they are grateful
for the experiences gained and the value of giving back to the communities
where they live.