Volunteer Efforts in Baystate Gift Shops Support Local Healthcare

WARE, PALMER — Volunteers and auxiliary members at Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital actively support local healthcare through their sponsorship of special events and management of the gift shops located on the first floor of the campuses in Ware and Palmer.

Today, these two gift shops are even more successful as they collaborate to not only fundraise, but to fill another important function for patients, family members, and visitors. Both gift shops provide an oasis within the hustle of a medical visit where visitors can stop in, take a break, and talk with volunteers who are always ready to offer a compassionate smile, a light- hearted moment, and an encouraging word. 

The gift-shop volunteers are made up of a diverse group of more than 90 women and men from the many communities served by both Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital. This dedicated group have made significant contributions to both institutions; most recently, the Baystate Wing Auxiliary pledged $200,000 to help fund the construction of the new emergency room at the hospital. Additionally, these volunteers and auxiliary members have provided scholarships for many years to area students pursuing higher education in the healthcare field, and they still do so today.

“These days, our gift shops are very busy as our visitors look to purchase that special and unique holiday gift at a very affordable price,” said Teresa Grove, vice president of the Auxiliary and Philanthropy officer for the Baystate Health Eastern Region.

The most recent collaboration between the Baystate Wing and Baystate Mary Lane gift-shop volunteers led to the remodeling and restocking of the gift shop in Ware.

“We are always interested in having new volunteers join our active group,” Grove said. “Becoming a member of an auxiliary will offer you an opportunity to work on one or more of the many fundraising events, interact with the community, and make new friends, while supporting local healthcare.