WMC Auxiliary

The WMC Auxiliary is a dedicated group of men and women who volunteer at the hospital and/or work on an Auxiliary project. The Auxiliary holds five free luncheon meetings a year and features guest speakers who keep Auxiliary members informed about current news in health care and happenings at WMC. Annual dues are $10.00. Inquiries for membership should be directed to Susan Lessar, slessar@valleyhealthlink.com, 540 536-8156.

Most active members are involved in at least one of the following Auxiliary projects:

Animal Assisted Therapy

This all-volunteer program provides appropriately trained and certified companion animals, handled by qualified volunteers, to be used by therapists and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care at Winchester Medical Center and Winchester Rehabilitation Center. These certified animals are used in conjunction with therapy and visitation to improve patient outcomes and create a more normal atmosphere in the hospital setting. For information, call 540-536-8158.

Auxiliary Attic

The Auxiliary Attic is a thrift shop that offers items in good condition for resale at reasonable prices. Over the years, thrift shops have gained increased popularity as a viable shopping choice, not only because recycling items is good for the environment but also because there are always tremendous bargains to be had. The Auxiliary Attic accepts donations of clean, gently-used items including clothing, shoes, small appliances, house wares, knickknacks, small furniture items, books, toys, and much more. The store is located in the Millwood Crossing, 381 Millwood Avenue Winchester, VA. Store hours are Wednesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, call the store at 540-536-0100. To learn more about the Auxiliary Attic, click here.

Children Resources

Provides children’s activity bags to AM Admissions and the Emergency Department.

Clothes Closet

This is a vital Auxiliary project that provides clothing for patients who come in through the Emergency Department or are brought in by rescue squads and need clothing when they are discharged. Coats, jackets, sweat suits, clean socks, slippers, pajamas, and other items are needed. Contributions should be brought to the Volunteer Office.

Gift Shops

The WMC Auxiliary operates two Gift Shops that all offer a wide variety of gifts, jewelry, toys, cards, magazines, candy, baby items and sundries.

The South Tower Gift Shop is located at WMC just off of the Mall Lobby near A.M. Admissions. The North Tower Gift Shop is located at WMC on the Mall Level down from the Emergency Department. To learn more about our gift shops, click here.

Hurst Hospitality House

Located at the entrance to the Winchester Medical Center campus, Hurst Hospitality House provides safe, clean and comfortable overnight or day-use accommodations to out-of-town patients and family members who have limited resources. Referral from a hospital staff member or physician is required. For more information about Hurst Hospitality House, call 540 536-4470. To learn more about the Hurst Hospitality House, click here.

Lights of Love

This program provides community members with the opportunity to participate in a project of caring and sharing during the holiday season. Lights may be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one and are placed on the Lights of Love trees, located on Winchester Medical Center campus. Since its inception, Lights of Love has given half of its proceeds to Blue Ridge Hospice. The remaining proceeds benefit a worthy hospital-related project as chosen by the Auxiliary. A lighting ceremony is held December 1. One outstanding community member, chosen by the Auxiliary’s Board for his or her valuable contribution to the medical community, is given the honor of lighting the tree. To learn more about the 2022 event, click here.

Memorial Fund

Memorials: The Memorial Fund was established as an endowment to provide annual merit awards to individuals pursuing nursing and healthcare careers. Contributions are received from anyone in the community as well as from the Auxiliary and Auxiliary members in honor or memory of individuals. A Memorial Book that displays these names can be found in the main lobby of WMC.

Scholarships: The Memorial Fund provides nursing and healthcare scholarships to applicants who are pursuing advanced training and degrees. In addition, WMCA proceeds from Starbucks Store at MOB II go towards scholarship merit awards. The $1000 scholarship is given annually to a graduating senior from each of the 5 local high schools and are based on outstanding achievement, scholarship, career choice, quality recommendations, and financial need. Memorial Contributions may be mailed to the Memorial Fund Chairman.