St. Luke’s McCall’s Auxiliary awarded $81,000 in grants to local organizations at their general membership meeting on Jan. 8.

The auxiliary also awarded $82,366 to St. Luke’s McCall in support of the hospital expansion project. (the first of a three year pledge and in addition to $79,000 contributed in 2017).

The community grants and annual contribution to the hospital are funded 100 percent by proceeds from the St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

“I have great respect for both the Thrift Shop staff and volunteers who work so hard to get the job done,” said Auxiliary Thrift Shop Chair Judy Titus.

“They show up and make the Thrift Shop a fun place to be while they work,” Titus said. “The amount of donations they process through the Thrift Shop is truly amazing.”

Grants were awarded as follows:

• $25,000 - St. Luke’s McCall Complex Care, providing support for prescriptions for those who would not otherwise be able to pay for necessary medication.
• $25,000 - The Community Medical Fund, helping adults in need of dental care, behavioral health and medical care.
• $12,000 - The Community Children’s Medical Fund, helping families with children in need of dental care, behavioral health and medical care.
• $10,000 - St. Luke’s McCall Dental – Brighter Smiles program, helping people access dental care.
• $4,000 - Heartland Hunger Resource Center, supporting formula and baby food coupon program.
• $3,000 - Payette Lakes Community Association, supporting the purchase of nutritious snacks for after school and summer youth programs.
• $2,000 - New Meadows Rural Fire District, supporting the purchase of new CPR and first aid training equipment.

“It is again a gratifying time for the Auxiliary and all those that work tirelessly at the Thrift Shop, to be able to continue supporting programs that work to improve the health and wellness of our community members,” said Holly Thrash, Auxiliary grant committee chair.

The Auxiliary has contributed more than $2.5 million in support of the hospital and local community organizations since 2002. The grants are entirely funded through proceeds from the St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

All local non-profit organizations with a health-related mission are eligible to apply for the grants. Applications are due in September, with funds awarded in January. For more information call Holly Thrash, St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary grant chair, at 208-347-3404.

The purpose of the Auxiliary is to render service to St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center, its patients, and community, and to assist the hospital in promoting the health and welfare of the community in accordance with objectives established by the governing board of the hospital.