Each year for more than two decades, VITAC employees have delivered holiday cheer and some pretty neat gifts to clients at the Center for Hearing & Deaf Services (HDS).
And though the coronavirus has created challenges for many in-person visits and gatherings, it hasn’t slowed down our spirit of giving.
HDS is VITAC’s chosen holiday charity, and 2020 marks the 25th consecutive year that VITAC has shared laughter, friendship, and festive cheer with the center’s clients.
“It’s a wonderful program,” said Dave Titmus, VITAC public relations manager. “It’s something that both VITAC and HDS look forward to each year, and we’re thrilled to be able to continue the tradition.”
This year’s program kicked off shortly after Thanksgiving when we received a list of client names and gift suggestions from HDS. Although this season’s gift exchange is going to look a little different than in years’ past – we won’t be hand-delivering individual gifts as the center is working with clients on a remote basis – there was little doubt that our employees and staff would rise to the occasion.
VITAC employees quickly selected a name and added them to their shopping lists, with many often choosing the same recipient year after year. This year’s gifts included clothes, jewelry, gift cards, craft items, books, winter hats, travel bags, board games, plush bears, and all things Pittsburgh sports-related. VITAC also gives an annual holiday donation to the center.
The Center for Hearing & Deaf Services is southwestern Pennsylvania’s only comprehensive service center, providing a wide variety of quality diagnostic, rehabilitative, and supportive services to meet the unique challenges of children and adults who are deaf, deaf-blind, and hard of hearing. The center also strives to increase independence and enhance the quality of life for those individuals.