Blacksville Community Supports Vandalia Health’s Mon Health Medical Center with Care Closet Donation

Blacksville community members Cathy Chisler and Lisa Raber turned personal experiences into a heartfelt mission to support Vandalia Health's Mon Health Medical Center, rallying their community to donate more than $600 in funds and much-needed items for the hospital’s Care Closet.

The Mon Health Medical Center’s Care Closet provides clean clothing and essential items to patients in need, and for Chisler and Raber, it has already made a personal impact.

“My son was in a dirt bike accident, and the Care Closet gave him clean clothes to go home in,” Chisler said.

Raber’s mother also benefited from the Care Closet, receiving a shirt after hers had to be removed during treatment.

“We both felt the Care Closet gave us something invaluable when we needed it most, and we wanted to give back,” Raber said.

What began as a simple conversation during the holiday season quickly grew into a community-wide effort. Chisler and Raber made a social media post to community members asking for donations and were overwhelmed by the response.

“People donated T-shirts, sweatsuits and even money,” Chisler said. “We used the funds to shop for more items, and whatever we didn’t spend, we donated directly to the Care Closet.”

“We were blown away by how generous everyone was,” Raber added.

The duo emphasized the importance of helping local people in need, especially during challenging times like the cold winter months.

“We didn’t even realize how much the Care Closet offered until we benefited from it ourselves,” Chisler said. “Now, we hope more people know it’s there and feel inspired to help.”

“Donations like these truly highlight the kindness and compassion within our community,” said Jacob Mulder, Manager of Volunteer Services, Mon Health Medical Center. “The Care Closet is a vital resource for our patients who may find themselves in unexpected situations. Thanks to Cathy, Lisa, and their incredible network of supporters, we can continue to provide comfort and dignity to our patients in need.”

“What makes this so special is that Cathy and Lisa turned their own moments of need into an opportunity to pay that kindness forward,” said Donna Pifer, Gift Shop Volunteer and Co-chair of the Care Closet. “When people give back in this way, it creates a ripple effect of generosity that touches so many lives. Their efforts will make tremendous impact on our patients, and we are incredibly grateful.”

For more information about how to donate to Mon Health Medical Center’s Care Closet, call (304) 285-6693 or email Jacob.Mulder@VandaliaHealth.org.