Micki Smith (R) shows off the newly opened gift shop to visitor Margurette Clark.
When you enter the new Chester River Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, located in the new entrance of the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown, you feel like you are walking into a bright and welcoming boutique. The abundant windows flood the shop space with natural light and the high ceiling provides an open and airy atmosphere. Shop merchandise includes specialty items, sundries, books and a vast selection of women’s clothing and accessories, jewelry, unique home décor, candy (including gluten-free), gourmet food items, decorative lamps, kitchenware items, Leaning Tree® greeting cards, handmade soaps and gifts for children. Current merchandise includes both seasonal and holiday items, including wreaths, holiday ornaments and table décor. There is a style and price range for all who shop.
Managed by the hospital Auxiliary, the original Gift Shop opened in 1965 and was located at the physician entrance, adjacent to the Medical Services Building. It was, and continues to be, a popular place for Chestertown residents to volunteer, and a favorite place for patients and visitors to shop. Currently, there are 15 active volunteers who assist in the Gift Shop. Yearly revenue averages $50,000 and the proceeds help fund new equipment, technology and upgrades for the hospital, including the Ethel and Eleanor Leh Women’s Center and the Palliative Care Suite.
“The re-opening has gone extremely well,” says Sue Edson, president, Chester River Hospital Auxiliary and Gift Shop volunteer. “We’ve had more foot traffic and sales have been good. Volunteers are excited to come to work in the new location.”
“The Gift Shop offers merchandise that you can’t always find in the Chestertown area,” Molly Streit, manager, Gift Shop and Nearly New Shop, comments. “We provide shoppers an opportunity to make a difference by shopping with us, for the proceeds help to purchase new medical equipment and technology for our community hospital. Shopping at the hospital’s Gift Shop is convenient because it’s so close to home–you don’t have to leave the local area to purchase that special birthday gift or home décor item.”
The Auxiliary sponsors special sales throughout the year, including an upcoming ‘Everything-$6-Sale’ scheduled for December 8, from 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The $6 Sale will provide shoppers with an opportunity to purchase jewelry, women’s accessories and scarves, household items, books, seasonal/holiday items, and more—all at a significant discount.
The Chester River Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop, which will be celebrating 50 years in 2015, is located on the first floor of the hospital, at 100 Brown Street, Chestertown, Maryland. Staffed by Auxiliary volunteers, the Gift Shop is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and accepts major credit cards. For additional information about the Gift Shop or about volunteer opportunities, please contact Molly Streit, manager, at 410-778-7668 extension 2351 or Sue Edson, president at 410-348-2159.
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