Spreading Holiday Cheer and Wellness: MHHC Brings the Bronx Together with Days of Giving and a Festive Luncheon

The holiday season is a time for community, connection, and giving back—a spirit that MHHC (Morris Heights Health Center) embodies throughout the year with its ongoing, recent and upcoming events. From its impactful Days of Giving to its twice-monthly pantry and now upcoming Holiday Luncheon, MHHC is working to uplift the Bronx and its residents, one festive gathering at a time.

This November, MHHC hosted its annual Days of Giving event across its multiple sites in the Bronx. The event offered a unique combination of health and wellness education, featuring cranberry recipe demonstrations sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield, turkey vouchers distributed to families in need, and informational sessions led by MHHC liaisons. These sessions provided attendees with essential knowledge about the health services available at the center, underscoring MHHC’s dual mission of expressing gratitude and promoting wellness. These efforts are just one of the many ways MHHC continues to make a difference in the lives of Bronx residents.

As the health center's community liaisons emphasized, the Days of Giving are about more than seasonal festivities—they’re an opportunity to engage with the community and empower them to lead healthier lives. Building on the success of the Days of Giving, MHHC’s Healthy Family program is partnering with Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia to host a Holiday Luncheon for Bronx residents. Scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024, the event will start at 1 PM at Colston Hall in Bronx Community College, located at 2155 University Avenue. This highly anticipated luncheon is designed to bring the community together for food and holiday cheer. Guests can look forward to a complimentary lunch, lively holiday music, and participate in raffles. Open to all, the luncheon aims to create an inclusive atmosphere for individuals of all ages, from children to seniors. Assembly Member Yudelka Tapia views the holidays as a special time for giving and fostering community connections. For her, the luncheon represents an opportunity to honor the strength and resilience of Bronx residents while bringing warmth and joy to the season.

“But the event is about more than festive cheer, for MHHC, the luncheon represents an opportunity to tackle deeper challenges faced by the community, including food insecurity and the need for stronger support systems,” said CEO of MHHC Mari G. Millet. Through initiatives like this, MHHC continues its work to foster connection and well-being in the Bronx, ensuring that no one feels left behind during the holiday season. MHHC Healthy Family program, a cornerstone of the health center’s community outreach, works year-round to support Bronx families by addressing their unique needs. From promoting health and wellness to hosting events like the Holiday Luncheon, the program is a testament to MHHC’s unwavering commitment to strengthening the community.

As the holidays approach, MHHC invites all Bronx residents to join them on December 16 at Bronx Community College for an afternoon of festive fun. The event promises not only a delicious meal and holiday cheer but also a meaningful opportunity to come together and celebrate the resilience of the Bronx community. This season, MHHC and its partners are proving that the greatest gifts are those of connection, compassion, and community.