Memorial Hospital Auxiliary was organized January 17, 1963, following over two years of planning by a steering committee of Hamilton County ladies.

The Hospital Auxiliary works in three ways: Service, Public Relations, and Fund Raising. Membership is open to all persons that are interested in volunteer work for the good of Memorial Hospital, Memorial Health Clinics, Memorial Community Care and East Park Villa. Annual dues are $2.00 per year for active membership. A sustaining membership of $5.00 or more per year is available to anyone that wishes to support the organization, but cannot serve actively on any of the volunteer committees. New members are always welcome.

Volunteers carry hospital mail, do sewing and mending for the hospital, arrange for groups to make centerpieces for Memorial Community Care and provide and rotate magazines in the waiting rooms. Once a month, birthdays of residents in Memorial Community Care are celebrated with entertainment and each honoree is presented a birthday corsage.

Fund raising is primarily met by sales from the Thrift Shop. Usually, two special projects per year are conducted to supplement funds raised from sales at the Thrift Shop. All net receipts are used where needed for the good of the hospital, clinic, nursing home and independent/assisted living facility.

The Thrift Shop was opened in January, 1973. It since has become the major source of revenue for the Auxiliary. Prior to 1973, annual rummage sales were held. The Thrift Shop has made a dramatic impact on the amount of funds available for donations to the hospital. As of 2004, over $740,000 have been donated to Memorial Hospital, Memorial Health Clinics and Memorial Community Care for equipment or as cash donations. The Thrift Shop is open on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In October of 2004 the Thrift Shop took on a new look as it relocated to its present address of 908 12th Street in Aurora. This move provided the Thrift Shop with much needed space and has allowed them to sport the look of a department store, complete with marked clothing racks, a kitchen display area for dishes and a large glass jewelry case. Those who visit the Thrift Shop are greeted with friendly faces and helpful hands.

The Thrift Shop also provides a service to the community by offering a convenient place to which the public may donate items and to which the public may go to purchase needed items at bargain prices.

The Hospital Auxiliary has had a major influence in improving the services offered at the hospital, in enhancing the quality of care, and in helping to control the cost of health care. If it were not for the Auxiliary, the cost for many services and much equipment would have to be passed on to those accessing the services of Memorial Community Health, Inc.

Anyone needing information or wishing to volunteer time and talent to Auxiliary activites or to operation of the Thrift Shop should contact the Thrift Shop Manager during business hours at (402) 694-6019.