WEST POINT, Miss.—Julia Doucette of Jackson recently organized a handmade card drive in the “Bee a Blessing” Facebook group, comprised of crafty individuals nationwide.

“Julia called me a few months ago when COVID-19 was at its peak,” says Doucette’s longtime friend Pam White, chief nursing officer at North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point. “During our conversation, I shared the struggles of health care workers during the pandemic and the stress it has placed on every department within our facilities.  I also shared how the true heroes throughout this have been the caregivers at the bedside of the patients. Little did I know, Julia had a thought to brighten not only my day but the day of other frontline caregivers and patients.”

Two months later, White received a box containing more than 225 cards! “They are beautifully detailed with each one having a kind note of encouragement and gratitude,” White says. “Every card was signed from a complete stranger from places as far away as Michigan, Minnesota, Washington, Ohio, North Carolina and New York, just to name a few.” Some of the cards are being placed on patients’ meal trays to brighten their day. Others are being displayed and then will be distributed to staff.