200 bags assembled for those in need in Fremont County
CANON CITY, CO (March 19, 2026) – As part of CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital's mission to build healthy communities, team members recently assembled about 200 "Blessing Bags" for individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship within Fremont County. This project, inspired by a previous larger-scale endeavor, allows frontline staff to directly support vulnerable members in their community through humankindness.
The initiative, spearheaded by Shannon Haas, director of the hospital's Surgical Services, Emergency Department and ICU, garnered support from the hospital's Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Supplies, carefully selected to provide warmth and essential items, included hats, gloves, emergency blankets, socks, toiletries, and healthy snacks.
Clinical teams across St. Thomas More Hospital dedicated time during their staff meetings throughout the month to assemble the bags.
"Seeing the enthusiasm and dedication of our staff in putting these Blessing Bags together has been incredible," Haas said. "I knew our team would embrace the opportunity to make a difference right here at home. This project truly embodies our values of service and compassion."
To ensure the Blessing Bags reached those most in need, the team partnered with the Canon City Police Department and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office. Both agencies have pledged to keep the bags in their patrol cars, allowing their officers and deputies to give them directly to individuals they encounter who are experiencing homelessness or require immediate assistance. This collaboration significantly expands the reach and impact of the initiative, ensuring timely support for the most vulnerable.
“Partnering with St. Thomas More to help our neighbors was a natural fit,” Fremont County Undersheriff Derek Irvine said. “Our deputies interact with so many people in need of basic items. These bags will be a blessing to our neighbors.”
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 155,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system. Learn more at commonspirit.org.
