BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – Med Center Health of Bowling Green received a $15,000 donation from Atmos Energy.

The donation will benefit the food distribution center at the Med Center Hospitality House, where relatives who are hospitalized for the long term can stay overnight and eat for free.

“The people who come to this facility are people in need. The last thing they want to worry about is what they’re going to have for dinner tonight,” said Kay Coomes, public affairs manager for Atmos Energy. “They’ve been with their child all day and they haven’t even thought about eating. This is just a wonderful opportunity to meet that need and help our heroes.”

Med Center Health Department officials said that in addition to the food pantry, there are 12 rooms within the facility in the Hospitality House that can be used free of charge by patients or family members upon recommendation from staff.

“Hotels are expensive and there are a lot of people who would love to be there and be there,” said Carla Reagan, director of Hospitality House. “We know that patients who are cared for by their family during their hospital stay tend to recover a little faster and not everyone has the opportunity to go to a hotel.”

Med Center Health officials said the donation will go a long way toward keeping the pantry well stocked for those in need for years to come.

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