In a quietly philanthropic move, nearly a thousand new clothing items found their way from the shuttered Oak Forest Hospital to support migrants arriving in Chicago. The Cook County Department of Facilities Management uncovered a cache of 866 pairs of shoes and 81 pairs of pants during preparations for an upcoming partial demolition of the hospital's campus. The hospital, which closed in 2011, once served an impoverished population and now reaches across the divide of time to aid a new group in need.
According to an interview by the Chicago Tribune, Evadne Garth, the business manager and head of the Cook County Salvage Program, expressed contentment with the continuity of the hospital’s mission. “It’s just great to be able to continue in the efforts that Oak Forest was doing before it even closed,” Garth said. These sentiments echo a sense of stewardship for the resources that once aided a hospital community and now find a second life aiding new city dwellers.
The donation, earmarked for new arrivals at Chicago migrant shelters, was accepted by the New Life Centers’ New Vecinos program. New Life Centers, an organization that typically refrains from shoe donations, welcomed the unexpected offering. Connie Marquez, New Life Centers warehouse director, stressed the practical impact of the donation to the Chicago Tribune, stating, “A lot of our new arrivals do come sometimes in flip flops or used shoes. So this will help them drastically.” The first batch of 60 pairs has already made its way to SGA Youth and Family Services, signifying an immediate benefit for those it's destined to clothe.
Meanwhile, echoing the sentiment of sustainable and socially responsible governance, Audrey Jonas, the Deputy Director of Communications within the county's Bureau of Asset Management, highlighted to the Chicago Tribune the county's pride in repurposing the clothing, which aligns with their vision of sustainability and social responsibility. Furthering these efforts, the Cook County news release noted that, beyond this donation, excess pants found a new purpose at the Stroger Hospital Inpatient Care Coordination program last month. These actions underscore the County's dedication to not only recycling materials but also enriching the lives of Cook County residents – the newest and long-established.
As the Oak Forest Hospital's legacy draws to a close with the upcoming demolition, this act of goodwill stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts of the Cook County Department of Facilities Management and partners like New Life Center to serve the community in integrating its newest members. The garments, likely intended for patients of the facility in bygone years, now serve as a welcome for those in need of support as they forge new lives in Chicago.
