Top Honors at 2025 Volunteer Challenge

St. Luke’s University Health Network was proud to be named one of the top three large company winners at the 2025 Volunteer Challenge, hosted by the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.  The annual Volunteer Challenge helps match corporate volunteer teams with nonprofits in order to complete long-lasting and high-impact projects for the nonprofits.

With nearly 700 community votes, this year’s project spotlighted St. Luke’s enduring partnership with Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley (HCLV)—a collaboration focused on addressing the essential needs that shape overall health, including food security, housing, and access to care. The initiative, led by Advanced Practitioner, Joshua Knipe, and St. Luke’s Advanced Practitioner Committee, supported more than 50 families through a food and winter clothing drive.

The project helped reimagine the HCLV pantry into a welcoming, choice-based shopping space. Individuals can now select items that best meet their families’ needs—bringing not only relief, but also restoring a sense of personal agency and respect during difficult times.

“The partnership between St. Luke’s University Health Network and Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable,” said Raymond Santiago, Executive Director of HCLV. “Even more impactful is how the pantry has been transformed into a space where individuals can now shop for what they need—bringing a renewed sense of dignity and independence to the process. For those facing challenges with basic needs, this isn’t just about food or clothing—it’s about creating the foundation for a healthy life.”

The initiative engaged over 20 departments across St. Luke’s—including cardiology, critical care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, palliative care, trauma, and urgent care—with each team represented by an advanced practitioner or lead nurse manager. Together, dozens of volunteers helped collect, organize, and distribute thousands of items to ensure community members were nourished and supported through the winter season.

“As a Network, we are deeply proud—#StLukesProud—to have been recognized among this year’s Volunteer Challenge winners,” said Kelly Chando, Director of Development at St. Luke’s and 2025 Volunteer Challenge emcee. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to community health, our culture of service, and the incredible people who make it happen.”

The Volunteer Challenge continues to be a powerful platform for celebrating cross-sector collaboration, and St. Luke’s remains committed to this important work—inside and outside of the hospital walls.