01/18/2012: Laurali Noteman
Wednesday, January 18, the Kane County Hospital Auxiliary held their bi-monthly meeting. The Auxiliary has four paid, part time positions for managing and cleaning the Thrift Store. Ruth Norskog, one of the managers asked for a moment at the beginning of the meeting to address the volunteers, “I want to thank all of our volunteers. You guys make us (managers) look good.” Basically that is the tone of every meeting.
During their roundtable discussions each department supervisor cleans the air voicing problems or complaints. If somebody is on the hot seat they don’t mind the constructive, “keep your stuff out of my department” attitude. It’s what makes the Thrift Store successful. With every chide, they also throw out an “atta boy”, giggle and get on with the meeting.
That is exactly how the Thrift Store went from nearly $91,000. in 2010 to over $112,000. in total sales in 2011. Floyd Norskog, Auxiliary Treasurer also reported an increase in patrons of 3,000 people.
Some of the funds in 2011 helped with the new landscaping of the hospital, removing berms, pouring sidewalks, re-stuccoing and finding slow leaks in the east lawn. In closing his report Floyd also wanted to thank the managers and volunteers, “I may write the numbers down, but it’s everyone else that brings in those dollars.”
Margie Norris was voted in as the Holiday Theme coordinator. Well she wasn’t actually voted in as much as President Emma Norton suggested that, “Margie has such great ideas let’s put her charge of holiday themes.” There were more giggles and that was that.
President Norton is tough, straight forward and free with her compliments. She touted the accomplishments of Delain Judd. Judd has worked diligently at the Thrift Store as a manager and when her allotted hours are full she simply turns into a volunteer. When products start taking on a life of their own and the store requires more room, Delain takes them to Fredonia where they are donated to any and all who want to take them home.
The pride and enthusiasm shared by this group is to be commended, but their attitudes and exuberance for life is contagious. Kane County Hospital just wants to say thanks.
