Tidelands Health team members have a comforting new way to grab a moment of respite thanks to a generous donation from a local church.
As it has throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Pawleys Island Community Church has once again found a creative approach to show support for Tidelands Health with the donation of two massage chairs for health care workers to enjoy a quick rest and a little pampering amid their hectic days.
The top-of-the-line massage recliners will be placed in the staff serenity rooms at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital and Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital for team members to stop in and use when they need a moment to rejuvenate.
“Everyone needs a chance to rest and replenish,” said Don Williams, senior pastor at Pawleys Island Community Church, as he and other church members presented the chairs to Tidelands Health nursing leaders. “We want to help keep the team healthy so you can continue to serve others. If we can do something to help, we’re in.”

The donation of massage chairs is the latest way the Pawleys Island congregation has supported the health care professionals at Tidelands Health. In April, church members created more than 1,800 cards of thanks and encouragement for the health system’s team members. And the church has regularly provided snacks for those on the front lines responding to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Church members hope this most recent donation will provide a lift for years to come.
“We wanted to do something that would make a real difference, not just once but everlasting,” said Ginny Williams, the church’s pre-school director and the pastor’s wife.

When picking up the chairs, some nursing leaders couldn’t resist trying them out – and the gift earned rave reviews as the chairs massaged the nurses’ backs, legs and feet.
“Oh wow,” said Bessie Brown, nursing clinical director on 2 East at Tidelands Waccamaw, as she settled into a massage recliner and pushed a few buttons on the control. “Absolutely amazing. Our floor nurses are going to absolutely love this.”

Plaques honoring Pawleys Island Community Church for the generous gift will be displayed in the hospitals’ staff serenity rooms.
“The congregation at Pawleys Island Community Church has truly lifted up our Tidelands Health team with love and support,” said Jonella Davis, associate vice president of nursing operations. “With the donation of these wonderful massage chairs, the congregation is giving our health care professionals moments of rest and relaxation not just during the pandemic but also for years to come. What an amazing gift. We are truly grateful.”