This coming Saturday, Aug. 22, is Be an Angel Day, encouraging everyone to help those in need and perform random acts of kindness. These are actions that the Women's Board of Aultman Hospital knows well.

The organization is widely recognized in the community for its signature fundraising events, the Angel Auction and the Fashion Show, earning them the nickname of “angels.” While these big events generate big publicity and vital support for Aultman Hospital, the Women’s Board also performs acts of kindness in the community throughout the year.

At each monthly membership meeting, the Women's Board holds an Angels in Action project, giving its members the opportunity to support local patients, caregivers and nonprofit organizations through donations and service. These projects address a wide range of needs, from providing comfort items for hospital patients to supporting community agencies that serve vulnerable populations.

Over the past year, members have donated crayons, colored pencils and coloring books through Color for Comfort to brighten patients’ days. Collections also included adult socks, sweatshirts, T-shirts and undergarments for patients in Aultman's Emergency Department, as well as clothing and self-care items for Aultman's Serenity Program.

Additional projects supported Beacon Pharmacy through Medication Mission, providing over-the-counter medications, first-aid supplies and monetary donations. Women’s Board members also showed appreciation for Aultman's nursing staff by donating treats for the Code Lavender break room initiative and contributing financial support to medical outreach efforts through Hands That Heal.

Community outreach extended beyond the hospital, as well. Members supported TomTod Ideas, donated food and volunteered at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank through Feed the Need and collected new clothing and hygiene items for teens served by Safe Harbor.

The Women's Board's impact reaches far beyond its fundraising events. Through ongoing acts of generosity and service, the organization continues to strengthen Aultman Hospital while improving the lives of individuals and families throughout the community.