Santa Arrives Early as Palms Medical Group Delivers Gifts to Foster Children

HIGH SPRINGS – Santa Claus arrived early for dozens of children across North Central Florida this holiday season, thanks to a regional gift drive organized by Palms Medical Group in partnership with child advocacy organizations serving foster families.

Palms Medical Group supplied Christmas gifts for 120 children within its service area, working alongside Guardian ad Litem in Levy and Gilchrist counties and Partnership for Strong Families. The effort focused on ensuring children involved in the foster care system experienced the joy of the holiday season.

In November, wish lists from the 120 children were distributed among Palms Medical Group employees. Team members across the organization selected and purchased gifts tailored to each child’s requests, transforming individual wish lists into personalized holiday surprises.

Once all items were collected and counted, Palms’ marketing department coordinated the delivery of the gifts to Guardian ad Litem and Partnership for Strong Families during the week of Dec. 1, ensuring the presents reached children in time for the holidays.

“Seeing the impact Palms gets to make for these children is truly an event I hold close to my heart,” said Ashley Chesney, a participating Palms team member from the High Springs office. “A personal impact for myself has been reflecting on my adopted brother, especially knowing his sibling is still in foster care and might not have the same experience during this season. Knowing our staff provides such joy for all these children really brings the Christmas magic to life.”

The holiday gift initiative is one of several community-focused efforts Palms Medical Group undertakes each year as part of its mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Beyond the Christmas season, the organization regularly supports holiday food giveaways, back-to-school book bag distributions and a wide range of local sponsorships aimed at addressing community needs.

“The organization possesses a posture of giving with an open hand,” said Kyler Burk, director of marketing for Palms Medical Group. “What never ceases to amaze me, though, is that our team members mimic that same posture to give in the same way. Our company values not only hang on the walls, they walk the halls, the city streets and the town squares.”

Palms officials said initiatives like the holiday gift drive underscore the organization’s belief that strong communities are built through consistent engagement, compassion and partnerships that extend well beyond clinical care.

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