Valentine’s Day Donations Delivered to Saint Francis Maternity Unit
February 11, 2026Categories: Colleague Corner
Gretchen McInvale, a former kindergarten teacher from Portland, has been delivering Valentine’s Day gifts to the Saint Francis Maternity Unit for 39 years. Up until her retirement six years ago, Gretchen’s deliveries were a field trip with her class, but she has continued the tradition to help, in her own words, “spread the love.”
(L to R) Janet Alejandro, MA, RN, CLC, Nurse Manager, NICU and Lactation; Gretchen McInvale; Jane Marozzi, BSN, RN, C-EFM, C-MNN, Nurse Manager, Maternity; Judy Hill, MSN, RN, Nursing Director, Women & Infants; and Olivia Burgess, MSN, RN, C-EFM, Nurse Manager, Labor & Delivery.
This year for Valentine’s Day, Gretchen dropped off 36 gift bags that contained a handmade crocheted blanket and hat from her dear friend Roberta Ritchie, as well as a receiving blanket, outfit, socks, and other necessities for newborns. In addition, a former teaching colleague donated a book for each gift bag.
“We are so thankful that Gretchen continues to bless us with her incredibly generous donations every Valentine’s Day,” said Jane Marozzi, BSN, RN, C-EFM, C-MNN, Nurse Manager for Maternity. “These gifts for our littlest patients bring such joy to not only the families we care for, but also our colleagues, who enjoy being able to share the love that Gretchen brings.”
Gretchen manages the donations through her Keep a Baby Warm non-profit organization, which is dedicated to providing warm clothing to newborns, regardless of socioeconomic standing.