Charlotte Willis works in Environmental Services at Mercy Health — Marcum and Wallace Hospital. That means she has an early start to her day. She clocks in at 5 a.m. and starts cleaning so when patients and their families arrive, everything is ready and welcoming.

But Charlotte’s job is more than just keeping up appearances. It’s also a little easier, thanks to donors. Their gifts provided an investment in the hospital that helps Charlotte protect patients and staff from occupational hazards like slips and falls. And they help her keep common areas sanitized and germ-free.

Donor gifts contributed to a complete renovation of 30,000 square feet of the hospital’s flooring. The new flooring has a special finish that provides a safer walking surface, and is easier to clean. In addition, the new floors don’t require waxing, which frees up more time for other housekeeping tasks necessary to keep patients safe and comfortable.

“It’s new, so it’s just better in every way,” Charlotte says, “We could only do so much with the old floors.