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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In June, I discussed the tremendous impact Bear Lake Memorial Hospital has had on the Bear Lake region. The hospital is not only valuable for its contributions to the areaís health, it is also a great source of income for its many employees. And as such, the people of the Bear Lake Valley strongly support it. They also support its many programs, one of which is its auxiliary thrift store.
Since opening in 1997, Bear Lake Memorial Hospitalís Auxiliary Thrift Store has become a source of pride for the community and a very real source of funds for the purchase of hospital equipment and for the support of special community health projects. It is also one of the communityís most successful businesses. Over the past five years, the store has contributed well over $100,000 to hospital projects.
But as a thrift store, it supplies quality goods and clothing at minimal prices and is an inexpensive source of back-to-school clothing and Christmas gifts. People who have suffered substantial losses from accidents or unemployment have found comfort in the thrift storeís ìhelping hand.î To them, the store has provided free clothing, furniture and other household items.
And because of the thrift storeís location where highways 89 and 30 connect in Montpelier, Idaho, it has become a gathering place for residents and tourists alike.
Many of Bear Lake Memorial Hospitalís nearly 100 auxiliary members volunteer their time at the store. Five days a week, the volunteers serve in a variety of positions, handling everything from sales to maintenance. Volunteers sort, wash, iron and price all of the donated clothing. Anything that is not sold on a monthly basis is sent to Deseret Industries.
The Bear Lake Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store is a big supporter of many community and business projects. But most important, it offers residents of the region an opportunity to give something back to their community.
For Zions Bank, Iím Fred Ball. Iím speaking on business.
