As we enter 2013, the Avalon Hospital Auxiliary Unloved Gift Shop has continued its history of making a meaningful contribution to the Catalina Island Medical Center.
In 2012, this small thrift store in the Post Office Arcade raised funds that provided for the purchase of a Fetal Monitor, Call lights and Security System, and a Lead Analyzer.
This non-profit organization was formed over 42 years ago by Dorothy Abbott.
As we enter 2013, the Avalon Hospital Auxiliary Unloved Gift Shop has continued its history of making a meaningful contribution to the Catalina Island Medical Center.
In 2012, this small thrift store in the Post Office Arcade raised funds that provided for the purchase of a Fetal Monitor, Call lights and Security System, and a Lead Analyzer.
This non-profit organization was formed over 42 years ago by Dorothy Abbott.
It has provided over $700,000 for purchase of equipment needed to improve medical services at the Catalina Island Medical Center. The organization is staffed by exceptionally driven volunteers with a heart to make a different for locals depending on medical services.
The store only has enough volunteers to be open three days a week: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Aug. 3 Steve Shawvner, a military veteran dedication to this organization, passed away. He had served as President for several years and was a driving force in obtaining donations and ensuring funds were collected to assist CIMC in obtaining equipment vital for residents in Avalon. The loss was felt by all those involved.
A volunteer of 10 years, Trecia Edwards, took over as President of the organization. Although she works the graveyard shift at Von’s grocery store, her heartfelt determination has carried forth the legacy of compassion of her former constituents, despite schedule exhaustion.
“Since the Island Company is preparing to renovate the Post Office Arcade, it has been a bit tense not knowing where our store will end up,” Edwards said. “But we have been assured that the Island Company understands the value of our objectives and will relocate our store elsewhere.” Edwards continued, “We are clearing out our storage area in anticipation of a move and selling items at 50 percent off.”
This volunteer based organization depends on locals to do everything from sorting through donations, pricing the products, working the cash register during operating hours, and handling accounting.
There is always a need for more people to volunteer their time. The more volunteers available, the more hours of operation will be available.
“Our desire is to have enough locals volunteering their time to enable us to be open more often and provide more funds needed to acquire equipment necessary to improve services available on the island,” Edwards said.
