 It's an extension of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital's mission to
improve the health of the people and communities it serves. It does
so not just by donating all the proceeds to the ALMH Auxiliary,
which funds technology and projects for the hospital, but also by
helping people in the community.
"If there is a family involved in a house fire, we have provided
clothing and housewares for them," said Jennifer Heidbreder, manager
of the Pink Shutter.
This year, the Pink Shutter celebrates its 50th anniversary, and
the 30 volunteers who help Heidbreder keep the shop running were
highlighted this week at the auxiliary's annual luncheon.
The auxiliary comprises volunteers who help at the hospital, Pink
Shutter and the HOPE Mobile. In all, they gave 16,000 hours of their
time last year -- the equivalent of eight full-time employees -- in
addition to raising $20,000.
"When I look at what the volunteers and auxiliary have brought to
the hospital in a year of transition, it's nothing short of
impressive," said Dolan Dalpoas, president and chief executive
officer at ALMH. "They are as much a part of this organization as
anyone. They really help us achieve our mission to improve health
and our vision to be a national leader for excellence in patient
care."
The Pink Shutter is at 114 N. McLean St. But it has moved various
times over the years, mostly because it continued to outgrow
locations.
"One time they moved across the street on Sangamon Street. Many
volunteers remember the move and that racks of clothes were rolled
across the railroad tracks to the new location," Heidbreder said.
"The ladies' faces may have changed some, but without their help and
the help of the other volunteers throughout the week, the Pink
Shutter would not have been as successful."
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Lynne Metz, manager of volunteers at ALMH, said the hospital can
always use more volunteers for the Pink Shutter. They are a busy
group, she said, sorting and pricing items, keeping displays neat,
and greeting customers in the shop.
ALMH is a critical-access hospital that has served the community
since 1902. Now located on Stahlhut Drive in Lincoln, the hospital
employs more than 290 in a wide variety of job functions and is
affiliated with Memorial Health System in Springfield.
[Text from file received from
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital]
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