Baptist DeSoto ‘adopts’ record 79 foster children in historic holiday giveaway

Photo: Baptist-DeSoto employees gather for a photo before the toys are placed in a truck trailer for distribution. (Bob Bakken/DeSotocountynews.com)

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. – The main lobby of Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto was filled with the sounds of Christmas carols and the sights of generosity Thursday morning, as staff members gathered to load a truck with bicycles, scooters, and gifts for 79 local children in foster care.

This year marks a significant milestone in the 25-year partnership between the hospital and DeSoto County Child Protective Services (CPS). According to hospital administration, this is the largest group of children the staff has ever “adopted” for the holidays.

“This is our record year,” said Brian Hogan, CEO and Administrator of Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto. “We are helping to support 79 kids in our community.”

The event, which featured the Baptist DeSoto Worship Choir singing by the Christmas tree, culminated in a human chain of staff and Emergency Services personnel moving hundreds of gifts from the lobby to transport vehicles. For the hospital staff, who spend their days treating physical ailments, the event offers a chance to address a different kind of need.

“We all feel very fortunate and blessed… so we just want to give back,” Hogan said. “Anytime children are involved, I think everyone has a soft spot in their heart for children who need some help over Christmas. So our employees really step up for this.”

While the hospital is nationally recognized for its cardiac and stroke care, Hogan emphasized that their mission extends beyond medical treatment.

“When you put yourselves in the shoes of a child who may not have much for Christmas, I think that’s why we go above and beyond to try and help as many as we can,” Hogan added.

Latricia Moore, Wellbeing Service Area Manager with DeSoto County CPS, says the impact of these gifts goes far beyond the material value. For children in state custody, some of whom are placed in group homes or separated from family, receiving a specific gift from a stranger provides a vital sense of worth.

“It makes them feel like someone cares,” Moore said. “Not just their worker or CPS—somebody in the world cares.”

The logistical feat begins in November, spearheaded by hospital organizer Amy Coates, who distributes wish lists to various hospital departments. Departments often team up to sponsor children, purchasing everything from necessities to big-ticket wish list items.

“I saw scooters, bikes, basketball goals, small four-wheelers, clothes, Pampers… it’s everything,” Moore said, describing the haul being loaded onto the trucks.

Moore noted that while all the children entered custody in DeSoto County, placement challenges mean some are currently living in areas like Olive Branch, Hernando, and Walls, or even out of the county. Regardless of their location, the partnership ensures they are not forgotten by their home community.

“Their faces when they get the toys… it warms your heart,” Moore said. “Especially our teenagers, who think they’re not getting a lot because they’re in custody… when they receive their gift, and they’re so appreciative all the time.”

Moore described Baptist DeSoto as the “main source of donation” for these children, noting the agency would struggle to provide this level of holiday joy without the quarter-century partnership.

Following the ceremony, the gifts were transported to the CPS office to be sorted by supervisors and case workers for distribution later this month.