Thousands of miles away, Winthrop employees watched the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina unfold. In an outpouring of support and sympathy, Team Winthrop responded by joining hands to organize a three-day donation drive netting enough supplies, ranging from diapers to bug spray, to fill a 37-foot Winnebago.

Winthrop's collection was then donated during the recent "Mawae Movement", a one-day drive spearheaded by Kevin Mawae, New York Jets All-Pro Center, who grew up in Leesville, Louisiana. Dozens of Winthrop employees also volunteered their time and energy to assist during the Garden City-based community drive.

"The outpouring of support was incredible," explained Mawae. "So many people showed up to volunteer and donate. By the end of the day, two 18-wheelers were filled to capacity with much needed food and supplies to be shipped down to meet families in need in Louisiana." "As a hospital we have an obligation to help people in need, but our staff's efforts were simple acts of kindness and concern for people in crisis," said Daniel P. Walsh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Winthrop-University Hospital.

"As a compassionate team of individuals, who help people every day, it was our privilege to lend support to the relief efforts."