Toni Sutton works behind the counter at the Caliente Thrift Shop. For over 40 years now, the Grover C. Dils Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop has been raising money for the long-term care patients who are residents of Grover C. Dils Hospital.
For over 40 years now the Grover C. Dils Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, better known as the Caliente Thrift Shop, has been raising money for the long-term care patients who are residents of Grover C. Dils Hospital.
The Hospital Auxiliary is a group of volunteers who meet monthly to discuss the managing of the Thrift Store and its proceeds. All proceeds from the store are used for the acquisition of items and services to enhance the residents’ stay. The Auxiliary Team works with the hospital’s Activity Director and the Social Case Worker to make living in the facility a more pleasurable experience.
“Over the years we have raised an average of $12,000 per year for our hospital residents,” said Chairperson Janet Gray. “Government funds do not cover all their needs.” The Hospital Auxiliary has helped with providing a covered patio with a misting system, a garden, acement ramp for wheelchairs, automatic door for wheelchairs, memory foam mattresses, flat screen TVs and new dressers for their rooms, a Supersize TV and aquarium for their living room, dining room tables and chairs and every Christmas is celebrated with special gifts for each resident.
Dorothea Mae Fullam Rowe was one of the creators of the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop some 40 years ago. Her love and drive for the thrift shop’s success was well known. Her family and friends have put together funds to purchase a fountain and a bench for the garden area of the hospital in memory of Dot Rowe. Dottie passed away in August of 2015. Millie Rowe Fitzsimons, Dot’s daughter, is secretary of the Hospital Auxiliary and plays a huge part in running the thrift shop.
“None of this would be possible without the wonderful, generous, caring support of the our community,” said Gray. “Residents of Lincoln County and others have donated our many items to the Thrift Store for resale. This is the source of our income. So you see, everyone is contributing to the enhancement of life for the long-term care residents.”
The Auxiliary members volunteer their time and hard work to run the Thrift Shop. Besides manning the store five days a week with members, they have to sort the donations, store them and transport the excess to Loving Care Animal Society’s Thrift Shop in Panaca and Deseret Industries in St. George.
All members of the Auxiliary team are also members of RSVP and turn their volunteer hours into RSVP Field Representative June Taylor. “Their volunteer hours contributes to our eligibility of grants that keep our many programs functioning and available to the seniors of Lincoln County.
The Thrift Store is always looking for caring individuals who are willing to donate some of their time to help. Donations need to be sorted and the store needs to be manned. If you are willing to help please call Janet Gray, Chairman of the Hospital Auxilary/Thrift Shop at 775-726-3579.
The Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop is open Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located behind the hospital in the old Lincoln County Hospital building. All clothing donations must be clean and in good condition. Everything must work and large furniture is not accepted. Ask about the Thrift Shop’s next famous $3 a bag sale.
