CHLA receives $1.5M gift from Walgreens to support pediatric clinical care, research programs

Walgreens, the country's largest drugstore chain, has made a $1.5 million gift to support pediatric clinical care and research programs at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). In honor of this generous commitment, Walgreens was recognized Wednesday May 28th with the unveiling of special signage during a commemoration ceremony in the hospital's popular Family Pantry, located in CHLA's Marion and John E. Anderson Pavilion.

"I want to thank Walgreens for this generous gift to support the hospital's mission," says Richard D. Cordova, FACHE, president and CEO of Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "This gift will mean so much to the patients and families relying on CHLA. It will allow us to provide world-class pediatric care, conduct ground-breaking medical research, provide community outreach to underserved youth and train the next generation of pediatricians and nurses."
Walgreens has been a hospital supporter since 2011. Thanks to its corporate philanthropy and its annual Children's Miracle Network Hospitals point of sale fundraising campaign, Walgreens has raised almost $600,000 in support of CHLA. That dedication on behalf of one of the nation's top pediatric care facilities is made possible by a strong partnership between Walgreen's customers, staff and business partners, all of whom have contributed toward making the charitable effort a success.

"We are proud to partner with Children's Hospital Los Angeles to care for sick children and their families," said Scott Corley, Walgreens vice president of Operations and Community Development. "Walgreens is committed to helping the communities we serve, and in partnership with our stores, employees and customers, we can all work together to make sure every child has access to high quality, affordable care so they have the opportunity to get, stay and live well. "

As part of the $1.5 million commitment, Walgreens will be providing all of its customers with the opportunity to support Children's Hospital Los Angeles by collecting donations for the hospital at its registers during the entire month of June 2014. Additionally, in partnership with Y Water, for every two Yo Gabba Gabba juices or every four Y Waters purchased at participating Walgreens locations during this time frame, Y Water, a Walgreens business partner, will donate $1 or 50 cents, respectively, to CHLA.

This unrestricted gift will go toward the type of medical services that help brave children like Sammy Martinez, 7, who last year alone had 257 appointments at CHLA. She has undergone multiple surgeries to treat Goldenhar Syndrome, a congenital malformation of the jaw, cheek and ear that is associated with vertebral defects. But thanks to her great care, she is walking, talking, dancing and attending regular school! "I can honestly say that our lives would not be the same without a loving place like Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The amount of sincere love and concern that is poured on to us from each staff member is incredible and something that touches my heart each time we enter the hospital," says Sammy's mom, Jackie.

Located on the main concourse of the Marion and John E. Anderson Pavilion, the Family Pantry is a healthy "grab and go" eatery for families, visitors and employees. The Family Pantry is stocked with healthy refreshments and foods appropriate for children and families including sandwiches, soup and fresh fruit. This convenience store, located near the hospital's HBO Café, also offers pre-made rotisserie meals that change daily. This venue is great for families and staff members who require a quick meal during the day, but also serves as a much-needed source of nourishment in the late night hours after the hospital's main cafeteria, the HBO Café, has closed for the day. For anxious parents and tired siblings, a healthy late-night meal that is easily accessible within the hospital can help them cope as a loved one receives care and treatment.

Source: Children's Hospital Los Angeles