While most are familiar with Sharp Coronado Hospital’s facility, you may not be aware that many of its non-medical staff members are volunteers of the hospital auxiliary (the collective network of volunteers who provide services to and raise funds for the hospital). Auxiliary volunteer members staff the hospital’s gift shop and thrift shop (Second Best, located at 1513 3rd Street), reception desk, Meals on Wheels, and Villa Coronado (the adjacent nursing home), and also fundraise by organizing merchandise sales.
Carolyn Moorhouse, the “Ways and Means” of the auxiliary, says they aim to hold around two sales per month. These sales offer new items and the product lineup varies each time. Past sales have included candles, bath and beauty products, clothing and accessories, and kitchenwares, to name a few. Items are obtained from various vendors, who generously donate twenty percent of the merchandise to the auxiliary.
The auxiliary’s most recent sale was held on August 26 and had lots of great jewelry!
Every dollar generated from the sales goes directly back into the hospital, which has enabled the auxiliary to outfit emergency rooms with up-to-date medical equipment, purchase new “Geri-Chairs” (comfortable, adjustable wheelchairs for the seriously ill), and furnish the lobby, among other things.
Auxiliary volunteers are an important part of the hospital’s workforce, and are essential in raising funds that help provide the hospital with the means to sustain the facilities. For those who value shopping locally and providing money to a great cause, purchasing items from the hospital’s gift shop, thrift shop, or periodic sales is the perfect way to get some new stuff and give back to the community without having to leave the island! Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming sales and events hosted by the auxiliary, which are always posted to eCoronado’s events page.
Interested in learning more about volunteering at Sharp Coronado Hospital? Visit the Sharp Coronado volunteer page!
Thanks to Carolyn Moorhouse for providing this info!
