Volunteers
Making A Difference:
Hospital Thrift Shop Benefits Hospital for over 75 Years
In 1929, a small group of dedicated women
volunteers established the Thrifty Shop, selling affordable,recycled
clothing and household items to benefit the Nantucket Cottage
Hospital. In that first year, theThrifty Shop proudly raised
$603 for the Hospital. Today, with the help of over 100 volunteers,
the Hospital Thrift Shop's donation is typically well over
$100,000
For over 15 years, the Thrifty Shop was
originally housed in a number of rented quarters throughout
theTown of Nantucket. Then in 1945 the business became incorporated
as the Thrift Shop under the laws of the Commonwealth and elected
a Board of nine members. Shortly after, the Thrift Shop purchased
the Ayres house at 17 India Street for $7,500, securing a $3,000
mortgage from Nantucket Institute for Savings. In 1946, the
Town granted the Thrift Shop its tax-free status as a charitable
organization.
In the early days, the Thrift Shop volunteers relaxed with
tea and cookies every afternoon, and this tradition is still
honored today. Through the years, the women made children's
mittens with yarn that was donated by local vendors, as well
as jams and jellies and other food items, all of which were
sold in the Shop. Originally, there was a consignment shop
component, but as business grew, this became too confusing
and cumbersome for the Thrift Shop volunteers to manage.
Initially, the Thrift Shop donations were
deposited into the Hospital's General Fund, but through the
years, this has also changed. Now the Hospital submits a
Wish List to the Thrift Shop Board of Directors for
its review and approval as to how the money raised that year
will be spent.
The only paid employees for the Thrift Shop, a seasonal business,
are the manager/ bookkeeper, Carol Chaves, and a newly created
assistant manager's position. Martha Butler, who began by volunteering
as a bookkeeper 30 years ago, held the position of President
of the Hospital Thrift Shop for seven years, followed by Bobbie
Giles, the newly-elected President who retired to Nantucket
with her husband, Ken, seven years ago. Bobbie points out,
“One of the main reasons we retired to Nantucket is because
we have a wonderful Hospital here with expert staffing and
up-to-date equipment. We don't have to leave the island for
medical care.”
Bobbie also notes that the Hospital Thrift Shop would never survive if it weren't
for the quality and quantity of volunteers, especially since lugging dusty books
and furniture around is physical work. “The job is made a little easier because
of the great esprit de corps and team work that prevail. The Hospital has shown
its appreciation over the years by hosting a special annual picnic, and a couple
years ago for our 75th anniversary, the Hospital sponsored a magnificent celebration
at the White Elephant.” Bobbie also noted that for the volunteers, it's a social
time, as well as a commitment to the Hospital, so it can be a very rewarding
experience.
Rene Beach, who has been an active participant at every level
for over 25 years, comments that “The college kids are often
our first customers of the season. They need starched white shirts
for their restaurant jobs, and it means a lot to them to get
outfitted on a shoe-string budget.” Bobbie added that frequently
one of their youthful customers will come in and say, “Oh, I
just love this dress, but it's too big. Do you have it in a size
6?”
|
