High school seniors and adults seeking continuing education will be glad to know that St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary has made a commitment to once again provide scholarship assistance to Polk County residents who have decided on a career in the healthcare field.

For several years, the auxiliary had to limit scholarship assistance for qualified applicants, but the board recently renewed their determination to grow a scholarship fund that helps college-bound seniors as well as St. Luke’s teammates who want to further their education.

Although there has been a marked decrease in monies provided for scholarships by the auxiliary, there is still a strong history of assistance. In past years, the auxiliary has gifted:

2015 – $500
2014 – $5,000
2013 – $10,000
2012 – $10,000
2011 – $12,400

“We are committed to supporting this worthy endeavor,” said John Calure, a volunteer and chair of the Auxiliary Board of Directors. “Over the years, our group has helped fund higher education for many local students, but when our monies dwindled, we could no longer provide scholarship assistance.”

One way the board approved to support the future need for healthcare professionals is to direct all sales from St. Luke’s Hospital Gift Shop into the scholarship fund.

The gift shop, managed by Volunteer Marcie Mack, provides a convenient, friendly place to shop for necessities and gifts for patients, visitors and hospital employees.

From handmade crafts, locally made jewelry, miscellaneous bric a brac, gifts cards and books, all sales through the St. Luke’s Gift Shop will benefit the St. Luke’s Auxiliary’s Scholarship Fund.

As the auxiliary’s fiscal year winds down Sept. 30, the gift shop is gearing up for a new cause. In an effort to bring more awareness and attention to the items available for purchase to support the scholarship fund, the gift shop will have a one day only inventory sale from 8 a.m.- 3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30. According to Mack, gifts, clothing and home décor will be sold for half-price, with the exception of candy, books, cards and consignment items.

St. Luke’s Gift Shop is located in the front lobby of St. Luke’s Hospital, located at 101 Hospital Drive in Columbus. For more information about the scholarships, the gift shops or volunteer opportunities, please call Gayle Cook, director of volunteers, 894-0895.

– Submitted by Kathy Woodham