The Auxiliary

Purpose
What does an Auxilian do?
Types of Memberships
Programs & Activities the Auxiliary funds or manages
History of the Auxiliary

Purpose
Auxilians touching the lives of those they serve at St. Edward Mercy with compassion and exceptional service.

Our Auxiliary is a charitable organization made up of men and women dedicated to bringing the mission of St. Edward to life within the Medical Center and throughout the Fort Smith region.

The St. Edward Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary welcomes everyone who would like to blend their unique qualities and skills to help St. Edward promote the health and welfare of the community.  Anyone over the age of 18 is invited to be a member.

What does an Auxilian do?
You can individualize your level of involvement to fit your needs and schedule.  Maybe you would like to volunteer a few hours a year to help with a special event, service coffee to guests who are waiting in the  ICU or surgery waiting rooms once a week, make baby bonnets once a month, drive the hospital shuttle, chair a committee, or serve in an elected leadership office.  You can volunteer as little or as much as you desire.  Whatever your style, there are plenty of ways to become involved.

Types of Memberships

• Active Members – are those who pay yearly dues of $20.00, vote on Auxiliary business, participate with Auxiliary projects, services and events and volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per year.

• Friends:  This category pertains to those individuals who are unable to participate actively in Auxiliary services, projects and events.  They pay annual dues of $25.00 but have no voting privileges.

• Merit Members – After 20 years of active membership, a member may become a Merit member.  Merit members are exempt from paying dues, may participate in all projects, services and events and are allowed to vote on Auxiliary business.

For more information, call the Auxiliary office at 314-6679.

Programs & Activities the Auxiliary funds or manages

• Service projects that include Helping Hands for Children, Mercy Go-Getters Shuttle Service, Cuddler Program in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Oncology hostess, in-hospital office work, Medical Center information desk, and the coffee cart.

• Sunshine Gift Shops
  The Sunshine Gift Shops are located in the Medical Center and Centers of Excellence. They donate their proceeds to fund Auxiliary programs and projects. Both gift shops sell an assortment of items including home accessories, jewelry, flowers and gifts.

• The Volunteen Program, a summer program for teens, financially supported by the Auxiliary.

• Purchase of medical equipment for Medical Center departments to improve services to patients.

• Purchase of furniture or the surgery waiting room so visitors have comfortable accommodations.

• Developing and hosting fundraising activities such as the annual dinner-dance and auction, uniform and book sales, fine jewelry sale, special events and luncheons with more exciting events planned.

What does the Auxiliary provide for me?
The Auxiliary has created many opportunities for you to make a difference.  Auxilians enjoy special events, exciting fundraisers, luncheons, special gift shop sales and discounts on many items.  Auxilians also receive a complimentary meal on the days they volunteer, discount at Mercy Fitness Center, are eligibility for service recognition awards, and flexible volunteering schedules.

But more importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to bring meaning into your life, to recognize the gifts you possess and to return those gifts to others.

History of the Auxiliary

The St. Edward Mercy Hospital Guild was organized on July 29, 1906, for the purpose of helping the Sisters of Mercy Hospital Board and the administration in the promotion of the general growth, advancement, and goodwill of the hospital.   The Guild changed its name to St. Edward Mercy Auxiliary in 1965.

Join the Mercy Family…
Be an Auxilian!

For more information, call the Auxiliary office at 314-6679.

We would love to hear from you today!