The gift shop at Aurora Medical Center – Manitowoc County was run by volunteers for 20 years and served countless team members, patients, families and visitors.
“We sold a variety of goods – candy, stuffed animals, cards, balloons and personal care items,” shared Patty LeClair, the volunteer services coordinator at the hospital. “It was close and convenient for anyone who may have needed a last-minute card, gift or snack.”
Unfortunately, the shop closed its doors permanently due to the pandemic. After the final clearance sale, there was still leftover inventory, which Patty and her supervisor, Amy Bertotto, decided to donate to help those in need both in the hospital and in the community.
“We gave stuffed animals to the Emergency Department for children who come through. We gave keepsake items, baby outfits and toys to Women’s Health. There were name badge holders and pens for nurses and religious items for the chaplain. And we gave puzzle books, playing cards and reading glasses for patients participating in the HELP program.”
The Hospital Elder Life Program, or HELP, is an evidenced-based program aimed at reducing the risk of developing acute confusion and preventing functional decline in older adults. Specially trained volunteers visit patients twice a day, helping them stay physically and mentally active while they’re in the hospital.
“The playing cards and puzzle books provided fun activities the volunteers could do with the patients during their visits,” said Patty.
One day, Patty delivered a basket filled with reading glasses to the HELP program. As it happened, there was a patient who wanted to read her book but forgot her glasses at home.
“It was good timing. We were able to give her a pair of glasses, along with some puzzle books and pens so she wouldn’t be bored.”
Stuffed animals, toys and baby clothes were also donated to a local non-profit organization, the Crossing of Manitowoc County.
“They serve women and teenagers facing pregnancy in our community,” explained Patty. “They try to help turn their lives around and break the cycle of poverty so they can lead productive lives.”
Patty is grateful the gift shop’s merchandise was able to help so many different areas of the hospital as well as the community. She’s especially grateful to the volunteers who ran the gift shop for two decades.
“We’ll always be so thankful for all the hours volunteers put in. Without them, there would have been no gift shop. They kept it going for 20 years.”
And some of the gift shop volunteers have returned to give their time and talent in different roles at Aurora Manitowoc County.
“They’re such a great asset for us,” said Patty. “We’re lucky to have such a dedicated, wonderful group of volunteers.”
How you can help
Advocate Aurora Health is a not-for-profit organization that relies on charitable gifts to support programs like HELP at Aurora Manitowoc County. There are many ways to give.