Hospital Auxiliary

The Fairfield Harbour Hospital Auxiliary volunteers are ramping up their productivity to ensure that we can cover the Carolina East Medical Center’s regular needs, in addition to what we do for the holiday season for patients. There is always much to do, and as John Heywood once said, “Many hands, make light work.” We are happy to announce that we have had several new members join our team. In fact, the auxiliary had a Friendship Gathering on October 18th where wine, cheese and delicious desserts were served. It was a fun get together to meet neighbors in our community and where members who were present along with Shaellen Thompson, Carolina East’s Volunteer Manager, were able to share what we do at the hospital auxiliary. We are all volunteers for the hospital, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we volunteer at the hospital. Much of what you can do for the auxiliary effort can be done from the comfort of your home; except we do request that members try to attend our monthly meetings on the third Monday of each month. 😉

Shaellen Thompson, Manager of Volunteer Services for the hospital speaking at Friendship Gathering

A terrific spread for the Friendship Gathering. Thank you to Joyce Stull and the many volunteers who helped!

Ruth Blackwell (L), Shaellen Thompson, & Sue Wole (R) at the Auxiliary Friendship Gathering

Current volunteers & guests listening to our FH Hospital Auxiliary Chairperson, Ruth Blackwell at our Friendship Gathering

One of our special holiday projects is sewing baby blankets and knitting tiny beanie hats for the newest of patients at Carolina East. Lucille Durst has a strong committee of volunteers who make 150 blankets and baby beanie hats that are delivered to the hospital in November. In December, these adorable sets are presented to every infant born during the month of December. Below I’ve included pictures of Lucille and part of her team cutting fabric and attaching the most adorable hats to the blankets and labeling them with gift tags from the FHH Auxiliary.

Jane Haeussler (L) and Lucille Durst getting ready to cut out 150 baby blankets to be sewn

From L to R: Lucille Durst, Jane Haeussler, & Clare Ostrosky carefully cutting baby blanket patterns

Clare Ostrosky (L) & Lucille Durst pinning hats to baby blankets

Jane Haeussler (L) & Clare Ostrosky pinning hats to baby blankets

Jane Haeussler (L), Clare Ostrosky, & Lucille Durst (R) with 150 baby sets ready to be delivered to Carolina East Women’s and Childrens Pavilion

Our second BIG project is making and delivering Christmas stockings to patients who are unfortunately confined to the hospital over the Christmas holidays. This can be a very lonely and difficult time for people, so there is a need and want to bring a little bit of joy and light into their day. Most of the stockings have been made and are ready to be stuffed with all kinds of handmade treasures, along with toiletry essentials, as well as some fun games and puzzles. They will be delivered to Carolina East on December 20th, just in time for Santa and Mrs. Claus to hand deliver them and give a bit of jolly to all the patients. BTW, Santa and his lovely wife (aka Mrs. Claus) have been coming to many hospitals for over 55 years! Thank You, Santa!!

The Auxiliary wants to extend a HUGE thank you to the Knights of Columbus Council that donated $400 to support our cause that benefits the hospital and its patients. With support like this, in addition to our bake sales, we are able to purchase most all the materials needed for our various projects, so that the hospital can deliver compassionate, quality care to serve its patients.

In December, all volunteers at the auxiliary are invited to a very special holiday luncheon at the Flame. It’s always such a fun time to get together with friends and colleagues alike to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Because of this event, the FHH Auxiliary will not meet on our usual third Wednesday of the month.

The FFH 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. Our organization is completely free of cost and for membership information you may contact our Chairperson, Ruth Blackwell or Darlene Madorma, Membership Chair.