Hospital gift shop reopens after three years

The Mason General Hospital Gift Shop, operated by the hospital's auxiliary to raise money for scholarships, has reopened after being closed for three years due to the COVID pandemic.

The shop reopened June 30, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Most of the volunteers are seniors, which factored in how long the shop was closed following the worst of the pandemic, said volunteer Monica Bates.

"They didn't allow volunteers in ... They wanted to protect volunteers," she said.

During the past three years, the auxiliary has hosted some in-house one-day sales, including one last month that offered items at 75% discount.

"There was a lot of dust collecting," Bates said.

The items include handbags, scarves, painted rocks, earrings, dream catchers and stuffed animals. Seattle Seahawks items are a big seller. Works by local artists and writers are available.

"We sell magnets, the knickknacks, the chotskies," Bates said.

Volunteer Cheryl Stewart said hospital employees are popping in to buy candy, which is not available downstairs in the hospital cafeteria.

The auxiliary is seeking volunteers. For more information, call 426-1611, ext. 288099.