Big Dollar Commitment from Mercy St. Francis Auxiliary

They give their time in so many ways, whether staffing the Mercy St. Francis Hospital gift shop, working the thrift store or helping guide patients throughout the facility.

While those gifts of time from the hospital volunteers are priceless, the Mercy St. Francis Auxiliary is going above and beyond, and pledging to raise $125,000 during the next five years to enhance the hospital’s radiology equipment. Members just handed over their second installment check of $25,000, meaning they are already $50,000 of the way to meeting their goal.

“Our auxilians love their community, so it’s no surprise to me they want to help us provide the best care for their neighbors,” said Cindy Weatherford, administrator of Mercy St. Francis Hospital.

Along with the thrift store and hospital gift shop, the auxiliary members raise money through various sales, and a few are coming up soon to help you complete your holiday shopping list. All are located at Mercy St. Francis Hospital:

• Collective Goods Sale
  Includes books, calendars, small toys and craft kits, plus much more!
  Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Lionne Designs
  Women’s and Men’s Jewelry including rings, necklaces, bracelets
  Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Christmas Bazaar
  Includes handmade treasures and baked goods
  Dec. 5 and 6, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

During the past five years, the Auxiliary has donated more than $100,000 to various equipment and projects throughout the hospital.

A recent banquet highlighted their gifts of time as well. Ruth Smith was honored as the Volunteer of the Year, after donating 5,000 hours of her time to Mercy St. Francis Hospital.

Other volunteer awards included: Emma Gehlken (2,000 hours), Carolyn Miller (2,000 hours), Jane Foval (2,000 hours), Tom Foval (1,000 hours), Mary Carroll (1,000 hours), Jean Turner (500 hours), Ada Vermillion (500 hours), Jackie Duray (300 hours), Lorrie Mayberry (300 hours), June Creasy (100 hours), Loretta Wilson (100 hours), Claudia Olson (100 hours).

The auxiliary also recognized its newest members: Loretta Wilson, June Creasy, Adam Hooper and Susan Frazier.

“This group is such an integral part of running this hospital and providing care to our community,” Weatherford said. “We’re so blessed they choose to spend their time with us.”