WellSpan Health was honored to be recognized by the United Way of the Shippensburg Area Thursday evening with the George Bailey Award for Community Support.

The basis of the George Bailey Award is rooted in the popular film, "It's A Wonderful Life" and is given to recognize selfless service, according to the United Way of the Shippensburg Area. It presented WellSpan with the award at the recent Kick-Off Mixer that marks the start of their annual giving campaign.

"Our WellSpan team aspires to be a trusted partner in our communities, motivated by our mission to support healthy communities, so on behalf of our team, we are honored to be recognized by the United Way of the Shippensburg Area," said John Massimilla, vice president WellSpan and president WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital. "We know that we all play a part in improving our communities and we are thankful to have such a great partner in the United Way."

"I'm honored to be presenting the George Bailey award to WellSpan Health for community service. We have only one yearly award that is given and WellSpan has certainly made a difference in the Shippensburg community. This event is the start of our campaign that continues to be successful, fundraising for the Shippensburg community and making a difference in the lives of those in need. The community pulls together in amazing ways and WellSpan Health is in the center heartbeat of making that happen," said executive director, Melissa Varner, United Way of the Shippensburg Area.

United Way of the Shippensburg Area receives many donations from the Shippensburg community that make a difference to the neighbors in need that surround them. With the support from organizations like WellSpan, United Way can continue to serve the agencies that strive to meet the needs of residents in Shippensburg. To learn more, visit www.unitedwayshippensburg.org.