Friends Gift Shop
PO Box 8075
Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506-8075
(304) 598-4133
(fax) (304) 598-4192
E-mail: antionp@rcbhsc.wvu.edu
www.wvuhgift.com
Home | Special Services | Items Always In Stock | Unique Gifts | Events | Friends Proceeds | Friends History
In 1961, shortly after West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH) opened its doors, a group of doctors’ wives organized an auxiliary at the behest of the Hospital’s first Administrator, Eugene Staples. This “Ladies Auxiliary” became “Friends”.
Initially, Friends primary activity was purchasing items needed on nursing stations and in waiting rooms. By 1965 Friends’ activities expanded into a gift shop; a play therapy program for the pediatric nursing station; a sewing group that produced patient gowns and towels; a patient lending library; and fund-raising activities.
Forty-five years later, Friends activities have expanded to match the needs of the preeminent health care facility in West Virginia. We now have about 300 volunteers who help our patients and staff in 25 different areas within WVUH. There is now a total of nine staff members in the Gift Shop and Volunteer Services who orient and supervise our volunteers, manage the gift shop and coordinate activities with Friend’s Executive Board.
Friends of WVUH is no longer an exclusive “Ladies Auxiliary,” Friends encompasses men, women, high school and college students, retirees, professionals and homemakers.
In 2003, Friends of WVUH decided to dedicate its efforts to raising $700,000 in five years to fund a major project. The project known as "Friends Connect" is now operational. It provides patients and families with high speed wireless internet throughout WVUH. A second project will be to install a new TV system so that patients in all rooms will have access to information about the hospital and patient education.
The purpose of Friends is to give service to WVUH in promoting the health and welfare of the community in accordance with charitable objectives established by:
| Board Members: | |
|---|---|
Virginia Nugent |
Delores Thomas |
Shera Lorenze |
Debbie Matthews |
Marcia Olenchock |
Sue Woodruff |
Nydia Holt |
Helen Beto |
Virginia De Carlo |
June Martin |
Ginna Royce |
Beverly Martin |
Cookie Coombs |
|
