About Us – Testimonials

12 Feb About Us – Testimonials

“The Twig has been an essential supporter and partner of Inova Alexandria Hospital for more than 85 years.  Their dedicated members provide significant financial support, volunteer service, and compassionate care for our patients and team members.” – Shannon Hiskey, Executive Director, Philanthropy, East Region, MSK, Surgery, Inova Health Foundation

“The year 2020 has brought a year of new challenges for our healthcare heroes and our community, but the Twig’s commitment to Inova Alexandria Hospital has only increased, and thus allowed us to continue to provide world-class healthcare to those we are privileged to serve.  Inova Alexandria Hospital would not have endured and thrived for nearly 150 years without the support of the Twig…and we are grateful for the important role they play in our future.” — Rina Bansal, MD, MBA, President, Inova Alexandria Hospital; Senior Vice President, Inova Health System

“As a native Alexandrian, and on behalf of the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation Board, I can’t say enough about the tremendous impact The Twig has made on Inova Alexandria Hospital and our community.  Their long-standing commitment and generosity are beyond inspiring, and a testament to the meaning and value of working together to serve others.  Thank you, Twigs, for all you do for Inova Alexandria Hospital!” – Don Simpson, Jr., President, Simpson Development Co., Inc., and Chairman of the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation Board

“The Twig Thrift Shop provides us clothing which we distribute to families, single mothers, grandparent care-givers and isolated seniors through our Family Ministry Center — changing the lives of more than 4000 people per month.  We are grateful for their support of our mission and the impact it has made on our community.” – Deborah Chambers, Central Union Mission

“Twig is a wonderful resource for St. Paul’s Lazarus Ministry, which provides emergency financial assistance to residents of Alexandria.  Twig provides free clothing when we identify a client in need.  It is especially helpful for clients getting back into the work force.” – Laura Simmons, Lazarus Ministry, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

”Christ Church has provided emergency financial assistance and food to members of the Alexandria community in need since the early 1990’s. We have a large food pantry, and we help with rent, utilities, and medical bills. Often during the course of our conversation, we learn that people are in need of clothing, particularly to find a job or to meet requirements for a job.  The Twig Thrift Shop allows us to refer up to three clients a week for clothing and offers assistance with selection when needed.”  — Melanie Gray, Christ Church Alexandria

“Dear Volunteers at the Twig Shop:  Thanks for opening your doors once again.  This year it takes special effort! God will guide us to better health in the community & individuals around us and those we serve at the hospital.”  — Lourdes (Twig Thrift Shop Customer)

“I attended a Twig Coffee in 1990 and was impressed with the energy, commitment, loyalty and dedication; as well as their love for one another and their pride in Alexandria Hospital.  We are dedicated to our mission to support Alexandria Hospital and other charities because of our compassion and love for our community.  I was extremely proud to serve as Twig President in 2004 with a pledge to design the Twig Pavilion, a state-of-the-art 16-bed Telemetry unit.  I look at the past and feel fortunate to have had this experience as a Twig which enriched my life; and many thanks to those that shared the moments with me!” — Starlet Zarek, Twig Past President

“‘I became a Twig in May of 1968 and have loved every minute. My husband keeps asking if I haven’t been to the Thrift Shop enough times, but I continue to go because I feel our shop is providing a needed service to the community and additionally, I do not want to lose contact with that incredible group of dedicated women.  My four children were all born at Alexandria Hospital, and I feel a real connection to that great medical establishment.  Alexandria is fortunate to have these two institutions working for us.” – Jane Ring, Past President & Twig Member for over 50 years