HAMILTON, Ala. -- The Gift Shop at North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton is once again welcoming visitors and staff to browse for gifts and necessities. 

“We are grateful to our Marion Regional Auxiliary members for their hard work in restocking and staffing the gift shop,” said Cathy Mitchell, North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton administrator. “It is such a wonderful service for our patients, families, teammates and the community.” 

The pandemic closed the gift shop in 2020. Over the past year, Auxiliary members have worked to bring the gift shop back. Auxiliary volunteers now staff the gift shop 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday.

It’s a joy to offer items to bring comfort to patients and families and gift shopping options for busy hospital employees and the community, the volunteers say. 

“It’s an opportunity to serve,” said Linda Potts, who has been a member of the Auxiliary for more than a decade. “It’s a happy place for someone to come and browse.” 

Visitors can stop by the gift shop to pick up helium balloons, puzzle books and sundries like lip balm and lotion before they visit patients at the hospital. 

The shop also features a wide range of gifts including jewelry, insulated mugs, home décor items, crosses, yard art, wind chimes and lanyards. There’s a selection of baby gift items, plush toys and outfits, too. 

Proceeds from sales benefit the hospital, and the Auxiliary hopes to recruit more volunteers to staff the gift shop. 

“As we get more volunteers, we will expand hours,” said Auxiliary member Pamela Perkerson.

Anyone interested in joining the Auxiliary can:

• Fill out the volunteer application online at nmhs.net/volunteer
• Request at an application at the front desk of North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton
• Call (662) 921-6272 for more information