A local woman and her family gave back this past Christmas to patients who are hospitalized over the holidays. April Yarholar lost her mother, Robbie John, to stroke complications 11 years ago.
In remembrance and in honor of her mother, April started Operation Angel Wings in 2014. Every Christmas, April and her growing army of supporters collect and deliver useful gifts to those being treated for stroke at INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center. Robbie’s birthday is Dec.20, so the giving gesture is a way April and her family can feel close to their mother/grandmother on both special holidays.
“Because our Nana Angel is in heaven, we want to celebrate her birthday by delivering gifts to hospital patients and families,” says Yarholar. “Our family spent a lot of time in the hospital over the holidays so there is a special spot in our hearts for the ones who are away from home this Christmas.”
This year, Operation Angel Wings collected cozy socks, hydrating lotion and fleece blankets. Acts 2 United Methodist Church contributes to the mission each year and members help the Yarholars assemble the gift sacks. On Sunday, they hand-delivered the items to patients on the neurological unit of INTEGRIS Health Baptist Medical Center.
Brian Warfield is the manager of pastoral care at the hospital. “Here is a woman turning a tremendous loss into an action of love. Giving to others in her mother’s name is a beautiful tribute.” He says this family’s compassion is evidence of the Christmas spirit at work.
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