ALBANY – Before Wednesday night was over, every single one of the volunteers who gathered inside the Broadview Center on the UAlbany campus had a chance to handle all 500 canvas care packages that they had been assembled.

It was a display of caring and compassion, the results of which most of the volunteers will never see.

It’s called the ‘We Care’ Program. When it began eight years ago, 200 kits were enough to hand out to survivors of sexual assault at Albany Medical Center.

Times have certainly changed.

“Our program last year saw over 630 patients who were victims of violence,” said Kaylin Dawson, Forensic Program Manager at Albany Medical Center. “All types of violence, including sexual assaults, domestic violence, human trafficking, and work place violence. So every one of those patients will receive the bag.”

Dawson is one of many forensic examiners who examine patients and collect evidence to be used in criminal cases. They’re the ones who see the direct impact of ‘We Care’ Program on a daily basis.

“We provide them with new clothing, new underwear, new socks, and just items of comfort that allows them to leave Albany Med with some kind of dignity as well to know we care about them,” she said.

That’s why hundreds of volunteers stuffed the bags with toiletries, clothing, coloring books, teddy bears, and much more.

“I hate to say it but it’s rewarding,” said Kaileigh Monk, a Forensic Examiner at Albany Medical Center. “(Victims) don’t have a voice. They’re scared. You’re an advocate for them. You’re the one helping them find their voice and help them get through the trauma they’ve experienced.”

“Usually (the patients) don’t expect the (care packages),” said Shelby Asher, another Forensic Examiner. “they come in and they think they’re only talking to medical but we’re able to give them a lot more than that.”

Even though the youngest of the volunteers may not understand the depth of sexual assault violence, they’re learning that anyone can be a helpful member of their community by giving to others at their worst time.

After the kits were assembled, and passed through a fire line, they were loaded in ambulances and then transported to Albany Medical Center where they will be distributed to survivors of sexual assault over the course of the next year.