For Mallissa, a HealthPartners employee, giving back is second nature. Every year around the holidays, she and her family have a tradition of helping local organizations rather than giving gifts. It started in 2015 for the Humane Society by making blankets for animals, after her adoption of a kitten. Since then they have also made donations for meals for students in need, for a children’s cancer center, and many other worthwhile charities.

The act of giving back goes as far back as Mallissa can remember. She grew up with a single mom who instilled in her the culture of helping others.

“Being a parent is an extremely rewarding adventure,” Mallissa’s mom, Karin, recalls. “However, there are often financial struggles, especially single parent families. As a single mother I too experienced those struggles first hand. So I personally know how important it is to help others.”

Mallissa and her mom and dad

When Mallissa, husband Keith and Karin started to discuss where they should help this year, Mallissa new exactly who could benefit the most. “Working at HealthPartners, I know firsthand the hard work and dedication of our frontline workers,” she said. “So this year we will be donating to COVID-19 Response & Relief Fund.”

Mallissa and her family feel they have been blessed with everything they need, so if they can help others, why wouldn’t they?

“I was fortunate to have people care and help me in many ways throughout my life,” said Karin, “and I just felt it only right to do the same for others and in doing so taught her. It feeds your soul to help others.”

When you donate to our COVID-19 Response and Relief Fund, you’re supporting patients, families and our entire community. You’re also providing much needed safety equipment for care teams at our hospitals and clinics. These teams are working tirelessly to keep us all safe; your gifts are making that possible.

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