It’s no fun spending Christmas in the hospital. So Sybil Louton, a patient at Sutter Auburn Faith, was surprised and delighted when Placer High School students Emaleigh White, Emily Burgard, and Sydnee Binder helped make her Christmas a little brighter. They added seasonal touches to her hospital room, and sang Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.

 The girls are all members of Placer High School’s Interact Club, a Rotarian service club for youth whose goal is to learn leadership skills through community service. "I've never done anything like this before. It was very cool," said Interact President Emaleigh White.

  “Interact students and Rotarians joined forces to bring Christmas cheer to hospital patients who may feel shut-off from the holidays,” explained Lynne Tinel, President of Auburn Gold Country Rotary. Rotarians Mindy Danovaro, Nancie Radakovitz, and Lynne Tinel met with the girls to deliver specially made greeting cards and decorative Christmas trees for up to 40 patients at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital.  

  Nancie summed it up, "Great day, fun time, and special moments with young students showing what they can do to make a difference in peoples lives. So pleased to be a part of this, yet another event, displaying what Rotary and the community can do."

  Foundation Executive Director Mindy Danovaro says the staff at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital understands that the holidays can be a stressful time for patients who aren’t able to spend Christmas at home with their families. “We strive to help patients capture the warmth of the season by making their stay as enjoyable as possible."