At our last meeting in late January, we celebrated with the good news that the Stocking Project was a HUGE success with over 230 stockings given to patients who were in the hospital. In our auxiliary we all have different talents that we bring to the table and in the end, we always seem to amaze ourselves with how much we accomplish for the Carolina East Health System, particularly the hospital. Betty Lou Krasenics, who keeps track of our volunteer hours, announced that we had volunteered a total of 8,617 hours in 2024! We are a mighty group of volunteers who all enjoy working together to help others. We will be celebrating all of the volunteers at Carolina East with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon in April. 😊
The FH Hospital Auxiliary had our yearly change of positions on our board. Ruth Blackwell stepped down as Chairwoman after serving her two years in this role. Ruth always does a wonderful job in planning and coordinating events for the Auxiliary. Her biggest role is being the chair of our Christmas Stocking project, which Ruth is a phenomenal leader each and every year. Holly Woodcock, who was Vice Chair over the past two years, will take the role of Chairperson for 2025-2026. Holly is a wonderful person, who is a strong dedicated worker and so generous with her ideas and time. Ruth will continue to support Holly as the Vice Chair. Mary Florence will remain as our Treasurer, and Judy Gates is our new Secretary with Andi Ostar as Assistant Secretary. Congratulations to everyone!! It’s going to be a great couple of years!
We had several beautiful hand crocheted baby blankets and baby beanie hats made for the gift shop and the Women’s and Children’s Pavillion at the hospital. Ingrid Kaplin continues to make cute handknit stuffed animals for our pediatric patients and Pam Gaskill has sewn Fidgit mats, which are used to attach tactile items for patients to squeeze and play with. These mats are great for patients who suffer anxiety, memory loss, or just need something for their hands to manipulate (keep occupied) while waiting for tests or procedures. The ones pictured below are for pediatric patients with fun animation and learning characters. Sha Thompson, who is the Carolina East manager for volunteer services, let the volunteers know that the hospital desperately needs surgical pillows for patients. Undoubtedly, every one of the volunteers with experience in making these got busy sewing them in abundance for the hospital ASAP. Sha also requested books for patients to read during their stay.
The Hospital Auxiliary will hold a Friendship Gathering at the Community Center on February 26th starting at 6 pm. We will serve wine, cheese, and desserts for our volunteers and anyone in the Harbour who would like to join us is welcome. Several volunteers bring a friend who might be interested in joining our organization. You do not need to sew, knit, or crochet, but if you’d like to learn we offer a Stitch and Chat class on the second Friday of the month from 1:30 to 3 pm in Room 2 of the Activity Building. We hope that many of you can come and join us! 😊
On Saturday, April 5th, Fairfield Harbour will hold its annual Spring Yard Sale and the hospital auxiliary will have its Breakfast and Bake Sale inside the Community Center to coincide with this event. Please join us for yummy warm cinnamon rolls along with some hot coffee or tea from 7:30 to 11:00 am. The Volunteers will make delicious cookies, brownies, muffins, and sweet breads to sell, as well. All funds raised at this event help the auxiliary purchase yarn and fabric that are used to make items needed by the hospital.
The FH Hospital Auxiliary meets on the third Monday of most every month, at the Community Center from 9:30 to 10:30. The auxiliary does not hold meetings during the summer months of July and August. It’s a great way to meet new friends and become involved in our community in helping Carolina East Medical Center. Please join us and see what we’re all about. Membership is free and for more information you may contact our Chairperson, Holly Woodcock or Pat Geres, Membership Chair.
(Far left) Carolina East Volunteer Manager, Shaellen Thompson, recognized each of our Board Members and swore them into service for the Fairfield Harbour Hospital Auxiliary.
(L to R) Judy Gates Secretary, Mary Florence Treasurer, Ruth Blackwell Vice Chairperson, & Holly Woodcock Chairperson
Holly Woodcock is our new Chair Woman for 2025-2026!
Janet Nerlien holds up two of her beautiful baby blankets that she hand-crochets.
Baby blankets and beanies that were made by Auxiliary volunteers last month
Pam Gaskill sews Fidgit mats so that other volunteers can attach a variety of tactile items for patients who need to move or fidget with their fingers. These are for pediatric patients.
Ingrid Kaplan knits adorable and colorful stuffed animals for our pediatric patients.
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