Most children would agree that getting a present is a lot better than getting stuck with a needle! But when lab work is required, the Women’s Center Lab staff try their best to make the visit as tension-free as possible, especially for kids.

They decorate a tree monthly to reflect different seasons and annual events. The Back-to-School tree is a favorite among not only children, but also staff who play Santa Claus in the summer.

“It’s truly like Christmas,” said Angie Braboy, Laboratory supervisor. “Each child who comes in for lab work in August gets a back-to-school bag. They’re so surprised and appreciative.”

Braboy said employees in the Women’s Center Lab donated money to purchase bags and school supplies for 50 children. They filled bags with notebooks, scissors, glue, crayons, pencils and markers.

“The response was tremendous,” said Braboy. “Some of the parents even cried when we gave their children bags, because they said they were struggling to afford back-to-school supplies. Our efforts really were appreciated.”