Perhaps you have stopped in to look around or to purchase a gift for a new mother in the maternity ward or a unique gift to comfort or bring a smile to loved one. Chances are you did not realize that pink teddy bear or piece of jewelry you bought to brighten someones day goes directly back to the hospital through the ladies of the Mansfield Auxiliary.
The gift shop is located in the main lobby of MedCentral Hospital at 335 Glessner Avenue, Mansfield and sponsored and run by the Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary.
“The auxiliary cares greatly about the patients and the hospital to benefit as a whole,” said Pam Griffice gift store manager and auxiliary member.
Founded in 1984, the auxiliary is all volunteer-based with one paid employee in the gift shop. “Anything we can do to help the hospital and what it does for the community we want to do,” stated Griffice.
“It’s a worthwhile organization,” shared auxiliary member and gift shop volunteer for over 30 years, Phyllis Martenet. “All profits go back to the hospital.”
With 123 members working toward the mission to serve as a link between community and hospital and utimately the patients through fundraising events and projects, the group has raised over $2 million dollars to purchase equipment and items needed for various departments at MedCentral.
Some items purchased this year include two bariatric wheelchairs, two infant warmers for pediatrics and items for the surgical and trauma department. “We were able to provide several items this year for the surgical department that needed replaced,” said Nancy Musille gift shop volunteer and auxiliary historian. Musille has been volunteering in the gift shop for almost 10 years. “We have been able to do quite a bit for the hospital.”
Events and fundraisers typically coincide with seasons and several became annual traditions such as the Cookie Dough sale, Breakfast with Santa and the Celebration of Lights. Most events or projects are held in the gift shop and if additional space is needed it is extended out into the lobby adjacent to the gift shop.
“I encourage people to come in and shop whether or not you are visiting someone in the hospital. We have a lot of unique items that you can’t find anywhere else around here,” Griffice said. Giffice makes trips to the Atlanta Gift Mart in Atlanta Georgia about twice a year to look for new and unique items for the shop.
There will be a uniform sale August 20 from 7 a.m. to 6.p.m featuring Roberts Uniforms.
Griffice said that the gift shops 30 year anniversary is in April, and the group plans to to have a banquet to recognized its volunteers, their hard work and accomplishments. Griffice also made note that the group is in need of volunteers. “We just want to continue to do the best we can for the hospital and the community,” she explained.
For more information about upcoming fundraisers or if you have an interest in joining the Hospital Auxiliary group and would like to volunteer in the gift shop contact the gift shop manager Pam Griffice at 419-526-8965.
