St. Luke’s McCall’s Auxiliary awarded $95,643 in grants to local organizations at a Jan. 9 general membership meeting. Thanks to a special pledge, the Auxiliary also awarded St. Luke’s McCall Medical Center $79,000 for the hospital’s expansion project.

Community grants and annual contributions to the hospital are funded entirely by proceeds from the St. Luke’s McCall Auxiliary Thrift Shop.

“We truly appreciate the generous donations from the community to the Thrift Shop, the many volunteers who help with the processing of donations, and the many customers who shop our store making these grants possible,” said Judy Titus, volunteer Thrift Shop director.

Grants were awarded as follows:

• St. Luke’s McCall Complex Care Committee, $25,000: provides financial support for those who are not able to pay for necessary medication.
• The Community Medical Fund, $25,000: helps adults who need dental, psychiatric and medical care.
• The Community Children’s Medical Fund, $16,000: supports families with children in need of dental, psychiatric and medical care.
• St. Luke’s McCall Dental – Brighter Smiles program, $10,000: helps people receive dental care.
• The McCall Senior Citizens Center Meals on Wheels program, $8,300.
• Payette Lakes Community Association, $3,000: provides nutritious snacks for after school and summer youth programs.
• Heartland Hunger Resource Center, $4,000: supports formula and baby food coupon program.
• McCall Fire Protection District, $2,025: funds a new AED trainer and adult and infant CPR manikins.
• Payette Lakes Ski Patrol, $1,818: funds a new AED trainer and infant CPR manikins.
• McCall Public Library, $350: funds materials needed to re-establish the "Books for Babies" program for fostering the cognitive development of young children.
• Adams County Health Center, $150: helps purchase dental hygiene items and infant car seats for a health fair.

“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, volunteer auxiliary grant committee chair.

The Auxiliary has contributed more than $1.1 million in support of local community organizations since 2002. 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.

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