Beebe drive nets 100 bikes in memory of team member

More than 100 bikes were wheeled out of the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus Dec. 14 as Beebe Healthcare’s Toys for Tots donation drive concluded.

Numerous departments came together to donate 118 bikes in honor of Jerry Whitcomb, who passed away in October. Whitcomb joined Beebe’s facilities team in September 1998 and was well known for his infectious friendliness and willingness to say hello to anyone he saw in the halls. The joy he shared transpired outside Beebe, too. Each year he would donate a bike to Toys for Tots.

“The donation of 118 bikes in honor and memory of Jerry Whitcomb shows both the love Jerry’s team members had for him and the true generosity of Team Beebe at this time of the year,” said Rick Schaffner, RN, Beebe Healthcare executive vice president and COO. “I know that Jerry is looking down and smiling at this incredible outpouring in his memory. Thank you, Team Beebe!”

Helping load the bikes onto trailers early that morning was Jeffrey Whitcomb, Jerry’s son, who recently joined Team Beebe.

“I was at a loss for words when I saw all of the bikes,” said Jeffrey. “It’s a true blessing to start something like this and turn it into such a big donation for children who might not have a Christmas. The reason why my dad always donated a bike for Toys for Tots is because he always said kids should always wake up with something underneath a Christmas tree.”

Beebe Healthcare President and CEO Dr. David Tam stopped by to congratulate the team members for their efforts and share in the joy of giving to such a good cause in memory of such a good man.

“This is an amazing reflection of Beebe values,” said Tam. “Think of the first time you received a bike as a child – that joy. Today, we can say that 118 children will experience that feeling. That’s what Beebe Healthcare is all about. It’s about taking care of the community in every way we can.”