This holiday season, students, faculty, and staff from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) brought joy to children and families in Honduras through the College’s annual International Program Christmas Fundraiser.
Thanks to the generosity of the VCOM community, the fundraiser collected $4,575 across VCOM’s four campuses. The funds provided 116 children in the Baxter Clinic’s Nutritional Program in Tegucigalpa with a beautiful celebration filled with personalized gifts, decorations, food, and beverages—helping to create memories and bring holiday cheer to families in need.
Jonas Rawlins, DO, vice president of VCOM’s international program, is deeply grateful for everyone who contributed. “Our students’ enthusiasm, kindness, and commitment to service continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Honduras,” he said.
The effort was led by VCOM’s Hispanic Community Medical Outreach (HCMO) directors, student affairs teams, and the presidents of VCOM’s chapters of the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians (ACOP). Their support, leadership, and compassion helped bring smiles, hope, and holiday spirit to the children at the Baxter Clinic.
In addition, students, faculty, and staff at the VCOM-Auburn and VCOM-Louisiana campuses collected and hand-delivered 43 gifts to girls at the Santa Rosa de Copán Orphanage during a Dec. 13 mission trip—another example of the College’s ongoing commitment to global outreach and service.
These initiatives reflect VCOM’s mission to support underserved communities through compassionate, culturally sensitive care.