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 the Gift Box at the hospital, next to a quilt and chest being raffled off as a fund raiser for the Auxiliary. Mrs. Hoffman’s involvement with the Auxiliary started about three years ago, at the urging of friend Pat Nelson, another volunteer coming from the ranks of the teaching profession. “I’ve been in contact with several other teachers retiring from the system who are also interested,” she said. “This summer I recruited three people. I, like Pat, know a lot of the teachers, so when they retire I really focus on them. The three I contacted said they would rather wait until fall before they start again. It’s in the fall when school starts when they miss going back to work, so that’s a good time to start.” She said there are quite a few former teachers who now belong to the Auxiliary. Mrs. Hoffman said when first approached by Mrs. Nelson that she asked her to get involved by helping run the Gift Box. “I work a couple mornings a month and every third month I’m in charge of scheduling for the Gift Box. Right now, I’m helping out as assistant treasurer for the shop, helping fill in for Marilyn Reddish at the moment. That’s mostly just making the deposits and keeping record of what’s sold. And you also help unpack merchandise and price mark each item.” She is also a board member of the Auxiliary. Looking around the Gift Box, Mrs. Hoffman said she wished more people knew about the variety of items the little shop has available for people visiting the hospital.” It really has a nice selection and all very reasonably priced,” she said. “Items range from gift cards and stuffed animals to curio items and the wonderful silk flower arrangements made by (Auxiliary member) Peggy Jensen. I just don’t think people know about all that’s available. They would be surprised.” She said being an Auxiliary member “is a very fulfilling experience. It’s nice to be doing something for the community, and I especially like meeting the people who visit the Gift Box. Just this morning it was a young man buying candy cigars … they just had baby girl. At other times, it’s visiting with people who just need someone to talk to.” Mrs. Hoffman said the variety of people visiting the Gift Box is a nice perk as well, as is meeting hospital employees. “You get to meet people going for labs, or heading over to the Multi-Specialty Clinic, or visiting friends and family who are in the hospital,” she said. The Gift Box isn’t the only area Mrs. Hoffman helps with when asked. “I’ll help wherever they need me. For example I’ll help out during the day of the annual Home Tour,” she said. “And let me tell you … I was in Longmont, CO, a while back and had the opportunity to go on a home tour there. Ours was so much nicer, much friendlier and put on very professionally. We can be proud of the Tour we have here in Alliance.” She said the Auxiliary is a good organization that helps out with projects at the hospital. “It is a good way to keep in touch with people,” Mrs. Hoffman said in urging others to join, “and you are helping the community, as well.” Being involved has made Alliance home for Mrs. Hoffman, who lived in Gering and Chadron before coming to this community. “After my husband died, my son asked if I would move back to Gering, and I said, ‘No … Alliance is my home now.’ And it is. That is a decision I have never regretted. Alliance is a wonderful community.” To become a BBGH Auxiliary member, contact Membership Chairperson Opal Tolstedt, 308.762.3744. Dues are only $5.00 per year for active members and $10.00 per year for inactive members. |
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| 2101 Box Butte Ave., Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, (308) 762-6660 | |||||||||
