Drexel’s Maternal and Child Health Student Organization Shares Holiday Cards and Gifts with Philadelphia Families
MCH students created personalized holiday cards for families at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
December 19, 2025
By Bengucan Gunen, MSPH, President, Maternal and Child Health Student Organization; PhD student in Community Health and Prevention
As the fall term came to a close, members of Drexel’s Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) came together to spread holiday cheer to families in Philadelphia. Students created 30 holiday cards for children receiving care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
For many students, the card-making event, organized for the fourth consecutive year, served as a meaningful way to reflect on the values at the heart of maternal and child health: community, compassion, and care.
MCHSO helped set up for a holiday party in the lobby of St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
The cards were delivered to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children during the hospital’s Special Needs Holiday Party. In addition to sharing handwritten cards and gifts with children and families, MCHSO members volunteered their time assisting with event setup and food distribution. Students had the chance to meet the St. Christopher’s community while listening to festive music and taking in the holiday cheer.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, a partnership of Drexel University and Tower Health, is a 188-bed pediatric hospital serving children across the Greater Philadelphia area. St. Christopher’s is located in North Philadelphia and places a strong emphasis on addressing social determinants of health while providing patient- and family-centered care.
“It was really special to come together before winter break as MCHSO transitions into new leadership for 2026” said Bengucan Gunen, MCHSO President for 2025. “Being able to share cards and volunteer at St. Christopher’s holiday party reminded us why community-centered work matters, especially during the holiday season.”
Interested in joining MCHSO?
Drexel students interested in learning more about the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization and upcoming events can contact 2026 MCHSO President Sanjana Doshi at ssd327@drexel.edu. You can also follow MCHSO on Instagram at @Drexel_mchso and find the organization on DragonLink.
MCHSO welcomes all Drexel University students passionate about maternal and child health to participate in future events!
Learn more about Dornsife's MCH Center of Excellence and upcoming MCH events.