Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Darlene Kroll works her volunteer shift at the Blue Bird Boutique.
Outside of the Blue Bird Boutique
COLFAX - The Whitman Community Hospital Auxiliary raised funds to support the hospital for more than 65 years, and now they need some new, younger members.
"Younger" is a relative term, as the members range in age from 60s to 90, everyone qualifying for senior status.
"We're always looking for people to come and help us out," said Kathy Clark, co-manager of the Blue Bird Boutique gift shop, the auxiliary's primary source of funds.
The auxiliary is one of two organizations supporting Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics. It was established to promote and advance the welfare of the hospital by donating proceeds for specific items that are most in need.
The auxiliary sees to the "today" needs of the hospital, while the other organization, the Whitman Hospital Foundation, sees to the future needs by providing a "savings fund" to support the hospital in event of a financial emergency, according to Laurie Gronning, public relations specialist.
Both groups play important roles in supporting the hospital, she said. By donating to the auxiliary or foundation, donations are tax-free and the viability of the hospital is supported now and into the future.
Since its founding in 1954, the auxiliary supplied a long list of items to the hospital, including: sheets, bassinets, heart monitor, crash cart, hall railings, blood pressure monitors, treadmill, infusion pumps, scales, car seats, transport heart monitor and defibrillator, automatic paper towel dispensers, non-invasive ventilator machine, wheelchairs, vein finders and a sterilizer.
"We're what (the hospital) needs now," said Clark.
Filling the need is becoming more of a strain as members age and are able to fewer shifts at the Blue Bird Boutique gift shop in the hospital. Proceeds from the boutique are the main way they raises funds. Auxiliary members cover two shifts a day, five days a week to keep the boutique open.
"It's a strictly volunteer effort in the gift shop," Auxiliary President Kathy McGreevy said.
McGreevy estimates they are down about 10% in membership. While the auxiliary has about 40 members, only about half volunteer in the boutique. They need more people willing to work a shift once a week or even once a month to help lighten the load from people doing multiple shifts. They are concerned that, without new members, the auxiliary will be lost.
"I've met some wonderful people here," said Kathy Clark, who co-manages the boutique with Diane Clark.
Diane Clark joined the auxiliary because of the shop. She recalled a friend who worked in the shop enjoyed it so much, Diane wanted to join. She enjoys being around people and getting out of the house while she volunteers at the shop.
For McGreevy, being part of the auxiliary is something she can do to support her community and not be stressed about it. Her mother was a nurse for 40 years, so she feels a connection to the hospital.
"It's just a way for me to be able to give back to our community," said Kathy Clark, who also enjoys the fulfillment of making things look nice when setting out items or decorating the shop.
The group also hosts the May Fest at the Baptist Church in May, which is another large fundraiser. More members turn out to help set up and man the plant, flower and rummage sale, and serves lunch.
The group sells raffle tickets for quilts made by members. May Fest was cancelled this year and it's unknown if they will be able to sell the raffle tickets, so sales from Blue Bird Boutique are even more critical for raising the auxiliary's funds.
In addition to providing the hospital with items from its wish list, the auxiliary also distributes scholarships to high school students from Colfax, LaCrosse, Endicott and St. John. The students are pursuing a degree in nursing or the medical field, or they can be hospital staff furthering their education. This year two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to graduates in Colfax and St. John.
The auxiliary meets on the first Monday of each month. Members pay $5 in annual dues or $50 for a lifetime membership. The members usually have luncheon meetings in June and at Christmas-time, when they normally can invite interested guests.
"We do have a good time," said Diane Clark.
McGreevy, Clark and Clark made a point of acknowledging the boutique's biggest supporters, the hospital staff.
"We appreciate our hospital employees," said McGreevy.
To show it, hospital staff get a 20% discount one day each month.
Anyone interested in learning more about or joining the auxiliary can get an application from the boutique, call the shop at the hospital, ext. 222, or talk to one of the members.
Jana Mathia is a reporter at the Whitman County Gazette.
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