The AJ Volunteers started in 1994 with the goal to raise money for the hospital. They opened a Thrift Shop staffed by the volunteers and the rest is history. The thrift shop is open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They offer gently used clothing for the entire family, household items and a variety of gift items. Donations of these items are also accepted during these business hours. Profits from sales are contributed to the hospital and are used to purchase specialty items and fund special projects.
Some people didn’t think they would last but the Thrift Shop is a thriving business in the community. During the past 27 years, the AJ Volunteers and their thrift shop have raised and donated over $141,000 to the Annie Jeffrey Health Center! These funds have helped purchase valuable items needed by the hospital, such as electronic door openers, televisions, a treadmill, an obstetrics table and glider rocker, waiting area furniture, desks, a specialized recliner for IV patients, a blanket and IV warmer, a vital signs monitor and many other items.
The thrift shop has benefitted more than just the Annie Jeffrey Health Center. Before it opened, Polk County did not have a place where people could donate or purchase gently used clothing, household appliances and furnishings. The store has been a valuable addition to the community where needy families can go to get clothing and other items for their families at little or no cost.
The Annie Jeffrey Volunteers are an energetic, active group of women. They elect a board of directors that meets monthly to discuss hospital volunteer opportunities, update the thrift shop schedule, authorize purchases for the hospital and donate excess merchandise to other organizations.
The group actively recruits new members from local churches, senior centers and newly retired individuals. Some volunteers have been hospital employees in the past. Women are drawn to
the volunteer group because they simply like to serve.
The group’s membership has about 60 volunteers. Many of these women work 2-4 times a month at the thrift shop. It is also a great way for the women to meet people from surrounding towns. Volunteers come from Osceola, Shelby, Stromsburg and Polk.
Besides operating the thrift shop in Osceola and donating the proceeds to the hospital, the volunteers are dedicated to helping with other community and hospital activities, such as helping at health fairs and assisting local nursing homes with community projects such as preparing Easter eggs for kids. There is a strong collaboration between the hospital, local businesses, City of Osceola, Polk County and the area churches, which has encouraged those who have never volunteered to join the Annie Jeffrey Volunteers and enjoy the gratification that comes from community service and volunteering.
The staff of the Annie Jeffrey Health Center recognizes the important role of the AJ volunteers and appreciates their committed service.