Posted on Sep 28, 2020 in
NEWSWORTHY
Flu Shot Toy Drive volunteers 2019.
With fall around the corner and the holiday season not far behind, Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is once again offering Fort Bend and surrounding area residents the opportunity to donate a gift and receive a free flu shot.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land, in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Sugar Land, Fort Bend Exchange Club, Rotary Club of Sugar Land, Rotary Club of Fort Bend and Toys for Tots Fort Bend, is offering free flu shots on Saturday, October 10th to community members who participate in Santa’s Gift Exchange. Fort Bend and surrounding area residents can bring a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a free flu shot. The toys will benefit local children in the Fort Bend area.
“We are proud to partner again with the local Exchange and Rotary Clubs and Toys for Tots to provide this community offering,” said Chris Siebenaler, regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist Sugar Land. “Although this year will be a drive-thru, it is still a great way for the community to stay healthy while also putting smiles on children’s faces during the holiday season.”
In 2019, Santa’s Gift Exchange provided toys and clothing to nearly 5,000 economically disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. “Everyone’s assistance is needed to meet the challenge of providing toys for children who will not have toys this year without our help,” said Jim Kij, chairman of Santa’s Exchange 2020.
“We look forward to partnering with Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital for a tenth year. This is a great collaboration; get a flu shot, and in return, you are able to give back to the children in your community,” said Kij, a 19-year member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land.
“Our community is well-known for its philanthropic values, so we encourage you to participate by dropping off toys even if you have already had your flu shot,” Siebenaler said.
To participate in this community event, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to the drive-thru at the Cancer Center at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, 16675 Southwest Fwy., Sugar Land, TX 77479, between 8 and 11 am on Saturday, October 10th. One flu shot per unwrapped toy. Please make sure to wait in your car at all times and wear a mask. For more information, please visit events.houstonmethodist.org/flushot-sl or call 281.274.7976. No appointment is necessary.
The flu kills as many as 20,000 people a year. The vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Vaccination with the flu vaccine may not protect all people who receive the vaccine. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital will distribute a limited supply of the influenza vaccine to persons age 18 and over with no history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome or rubber latex allergy and who are not pregnant.
