Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in San Angelo, Texas, is especially spreading holiday cheer. The company gathers donations for adult cancer patients at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio.
With this “Blessing Bag” initiative, Spherion hopes to comfort patients who may spend their holidays in a hospital room rather than with loved ones.
It is Spherion’s thirteenth year organizing the Blessing Bags. Vice President of Operations Veronica Madrigal leads the effort. Her passion stems from her own experience with her daughter, Krystal, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010.
The family’s journey began on May 19, 2010, when doctors diagnosed Krystal. She received chemotherapy at Methodist Hospital, where the family spent many difficult days. But they never felt alone, thanks to the kindness they received from others.
Madrigal remembers those moments vividly. The experience created a lifelong commitment to helping other families facing similar hardships.
“Although Krystal has been cancer-free for 14 years,” Madrigal said, “it’s still essential to us to support families who may be spending holidays in the hospital like we were.”
The Madrigal family partners with Spherion each year to collect enough items for 50 Blessing Bags. Every bag has carefully selected items that offer comfort, practical help, and small moments of distraction.
The goal is to create one bag for each adult cancer patient room on Methodist Hospital’s oncology floor.
Donations from the community make the project possible. Madrigal and her team encourage San Angelo residents to donate small games, cozy clothes, and hygiene products.
These thoughtful additions can make hospital stays feel more comfortable and less lonely.
Spherion’s San Angelo office, located at 3467 Knickerbocker Road, is the main donation collection point. Residents can drop off items until December 14. For those who can’t make it to the office, Madrigal and her family offer a pick-up option, making it easier for everyone to participate.
The Blessing Bag initiative is more than a holiday charity event; it’s a personal mission for the Madrigal family. When Krystal was undergoing treatment, the family learned how much of a difference community support can make.
For Veronica, every bag is a reminder of that compassion. She hopes to pass that warmth to others through the Blessing Bag drive. Her family aims to make patients feel less alone and more connected to their community.
The items inside each Blessing Bag aim to address patients’ basic needs while bringing a bit of holiday cheer. Hygiene products like toothpaste, lotions, and lip balms help patients feel fresh and clean.
Meanwhile, soft blankets, socks, and cozy clothing add warmth and comfort to their days.
The initiative also includes small games and activities to help patients pass the time. Hospital days can feel long and repetitive, especially during complex treatments.
These minor distractions can bring a welcome change, giving patients something else to focus on.
The Madrigal family’s generosity shines in every detail of the project. With each Blessing Bag, they honor the support they received in the past, hoping to create a legacy of kindness. This effort is about building a community of care and resilience for them.
Studies have shown that emotional support can significantly impact patient outcomes. Simple gestures, like Blessing Bags, remind patients that people care about their journey.
The holidays can be incredibly lonely for those in hospitals, and these bags aim to bring a sense of connection and support.
Veronica believes this initiative shows patients they’re not alone in their fight. For her family, it’s about sharing the message of solidarity and hope. The small comforts in each Blessing Bag may lift spirits and remind patients that others are rooting for them.
The Blessing Bag drive continues to grow each year. The Madrigals hope more community members will join the effort as the tradition continues. This year, they look forward to seeing how San Angelo residents unite to make the holidays brighter for those in need.
Madrigal feels grateful for the community’s response over the years. Each year, she witnesses the kindness of neighbors who step up to donate. For her, this outpouring of support has become a highlight of the holiday season.
Veronica and her family invite the community to get involved however they can. Even small contributions, like a pack of lip balm or a cozy pair of socks, make a big difference. Each donated item helps create a reminder that patients are not alone.
Community members interested in contributing should bring donations to Spherion’s office by December 14. Madrigal’s family offers a convenient pick-up service, making it easier for everyone to participate.
Even those who may not have specific items to donate can reach out to see how they can support the project.
As the Blessing Bag drive enters its thirteenth year, Madrigal’s dedication remains strong. She hopes the effort will inspire others to look for ways to give back during the holiday season.
Patients who receive these Blessing Bags feel the kindness of the San Angelo community. The Madrigal family’s partnership with Spherion shows that simple gestures can make a powerful impact.
With each bag, they pass on a legacy of love and resilience that began with their journey.
Veronica and her family hope this tradition will continue for many years. They want others to find ways to give back, especially during the holidays. Their Blessing Bags remind us that even small acts of kindness can lift spirits and bring hope to those who need it most.