Employees at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital are once again reaching out into the community and giving back to help local not-for-profits.

Last Friday, Feb. 24, SJLH held a hospital wide employee Jeans Day to raise money for David Thompson Search and Rescue (DTSAR).

Employees were given the chance to wear jeans for a donation to the cause. Together, they raised $250 for the worthy organization.

In addition, St. John’s Lutheran Hospital is matching the goodwill of their employees, and will donate another $250 to DTSAR, bringing the total donation to $500.

According to Val Albert, DTSAR secretary, the organization was established in 1969.

“The name, David Thompson, was selected for Thompson, who was a frontiersman who mapped out this area,” she stated.

DTSAR is made up of a president, vice president, secretary, and a treasurer, along with nine units including communications, medical, 4x4, snowcat/ATV, boat, dive, and a junior unit.

DTSAR provides coverage to the southwest corner of Lincoln County, and is an arm of the Sheriff's Office. All members of DTSAR work on a volunteer basis.

“Our team here at St. John’s is happy to be able to help David Thompson Search and Rescue continue to serve our communities,” said KC Hoyer, marketing manager at St. John’s.

“DTSAR is an essential service in our part of the country, and we are extremely grateful to all of the volunteers who continually risk their own lives for the safety of their friends and neighbors. St. John’s Lutheran Hospital, and its employees, are happy to come together to donate money to this worthy cause.”