Firmenich Inc., headquartered near Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, has been a valuable partner over the years in providing support in areas of need. Recently, the company’s employees coordinated an art supply drive to benefit patients at Princeton Center for Eating Disorders, Princeton House Behavioral Health, and Princeton Medical Center’s pediatric unit. The Firmenich Foundation also provided a grant of $5,000 to use for additional art supplies across these areas.
An art supply drive for Princeton Center for Eating Disorders patients was also coordinated by students in the South Brunswick High School’s Help for Health group of the Viking Volunteers Club, which aims to have a meaningful impact on the community through outreach and volunteerism.
For both drives, Allied Clinical Therapist Shea Andrews, MS, LAC incorporated patient input in the development of the supply list. Donations have included materials ranging from markers and pencils to stamps and crafting items. They've been used for projects such as creating art from inspirational quotes, collages that explore identity, and pieces that relate to coping skills.
“The patients were grateful and excited to have new supplies,” says Andrews. “It’s great to have a wide range of materials that they can use to express themselves.”
“We’re so thankful to our surrounding community for their involvement in initiatives like these,” adds Brannan Berman, Associate Director of Development for Princeton Medical Center Foundation. “They’re helping to ensure that we have all the resources we need to provide holistic care for patients."
Pictured above: Princeton Center for Eating Disorders team members display some of the art donations.