The Chester Senior Center hosted the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary’s Annual Christmas Meeting on Friday, December 6. Pastor Jim Oppedal, of the First United Methodist Church, graciously offered to attend and give the prayer over the meal, the lighting of the Tree of Remembrance, as well as the installation of Officers. The lights on the indoor tree were turned on during his blessing, symbolizing the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree on the hospital front lawn. Pastor Jim explained that, “The Tree of Remembrance serves as a powerful symbol of hope.” The tree will shine brightly at Memorial Hospital throughout December and January with hundreds of lights honoring loved ones over the Christmas season. The Tree of Remembrance symbolizes life and the memory of precious relationships. Officers of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in Chester were installed at the meeting for another year’s term: President, Mardell Granger; Vice Presidents, Lisa Feldmann and Carrie Jo Dierks; Secretary, Pat Koenegstein; Treasurer, Kathy Albrecht.
The Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital is a self-directed body of volunteers responding to the needs of the hospital community through service. Auxiliary members join together to foster a supportive family spirit that supports patient care, community services and employees, and always upholds the hospital and its mission. Their services throughout the year include operating the gift shop at the hospital, raising funds for scholarships, assisting with the bloodmobile, and donating new equipment for the hospital. Through generous donations and memorials, the Auxiliary is able to assist the hospital in purchasing needed equipment for various departments. Funds collected this year through the Tree of Remembrance campaign will be used as a contribution towards the purchase of Samsung 32” Smart Healthcare Televisions along with pillow speaker interface for new patient rooms. These new devices come equipped with the latest technology: closed captioning, channel listings, hospital logo display, interactive options for call lights, patient guide access, on screen display language, and sleep timers. Along with all the smart TV apps you are used to. These smart devices will also be used as communication tools for the patients and give them one of the simple comforts of home.
The men and women of the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary are a valued asset to Memorial Hospital and our community. The role they play in assisting with the purchase of much needed equipment to continue the best quality of care possible is astounding. To learn more about the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and how you can contribute your time to the compassionate group, visit www.mhchester.com/volunteer or call Apryl Bradshaw at 618-826-4581 ext. 1299.