Generosity in Action

Coffey Health System auxiliary organization, Friends of Coffey Health System, is growing and thriving organization, with new volunteers joining each month and exciting new projects underway. 

The flagship of the auxiliary program is the Coffey County Hospital Gift Shop, which is managed and staff entirely by volunteers.  Not only does the gift shop provide a valuable service to the hospital’s patients, visitors, and staff, but all proceeds are then given back to the community through hospital improvements and local scholarships. Just in the past two years, gift shop proceeds allowed the Auxiliary to relandscape the front of the hospital, contribute toward the purchase of a digital mammography unit and a digital marquis at the hospital, and purchase a new television and Wii electronic game system for the residents at The Meadows.  

Reaching beyond our walls, the Auxiliary also invests in the future by awarding scholarships to local students.  In May of 2009, Burlington High School graduate Annelise Masters received a $1,000 scholarship to pursue her education at Kansas State University.  Last year, two BHS students, Kate Parker and Samantha Kuhlman, received scholarships to study at the University of Kansas. Our volunteers also help out in a variety of capacities throughout the hospital, such as manning the information desk, assisting with outpatient clinic admissions, landscaping, and labeling items for the materials management department. 

When the nursing and marketing departments need help compiling packets or folding brochures or newsletters, our volunteers are always eager to help out. Two volunteers have even knitted more than 700 caps for the hospital’s newborns.  A loyal group of volunteers also reach out to brighten the day for long-term care residents by playing games, reading aloud, or simply visiting.

We’re grateful to have several new volunteers join us, and look forward to more exciting new projects in the future.