The grannies of Granny’s Attic have been at it again. This chipper group of mostly women with a few male helpers, has been working hard to raise money to help the community. As a matter of fact, they recently presented a $72,550 check to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital to be used towards a replacement vacuum pump and a scope washer.
Granny's Attic treasurer Sandy Jersey has served as the group's treasurer for 14 years and is starting year 15. Outgoing president Karen Robinson presented Jersey with a funny T-shirt to show appreciation.
In addition, the grannies gave $1,978 to the Clay Schools clinic for a clinic magnifier lamp, a professional balance scale, and a five-drawer treatment and procedure cart.
During a lunchtime celebration at New Life Church Tuesday, Jan. 14, Granny’s Attic president Karen Robinson and treasurer Sandy Jersey presented the check to hospital CEO Mark Kimball. Jersey explained how they had more than $76,000 in their account at the end of the year, but a balance has to be maintained. “Plus, we have to pay taxes now,” she added. “We gave some money towards a scope washer last year, but this will pay the balance.”
As Kimball accepted the check, he said, “This is a great group of volunteers. They are extremely generous in their money and their time. They are investing the dollars in patient care items which will touch patient lives every day. They work to support Erlanger’s mission.”
The vacuum pump will replace one originally installed in 2001 during construction of the operating room 3 and 4 addition; however, it is used hospital wide. The system provides suction to all areas of the facility, but may be used for removing operating room waste anesthetic gases, pleural suctioning and drainage, tracheal suctioning, pharyngeal aspiration and gastrointestinal suction and intubation.
After the presentation, new officers were elected by the non-profit group. Robinson said they usually serve a two-year term. Sandy Jersey had agreed to be treasurer and is starting her 15th year while Judy Jaeger was chosen to vice-president. Eighteen year Granny’s Attic volunteer Linda Davis was chosen president. “This will be my third time as president and I’m excited,” Davis said. “We’re going to do some things you’ve never done before.
Robinson spoke about the organization. “Being part of Erlanger is so special because it allows us to help people in many ways,” she said. “Granny’s Attic is now on Facebook and people come from all over because they see us on Facebook.”
Robinson complimented all of the volunteers. “Labels are a word or a phrase of who you are. Our green volunteer shirts identify us as volunteers,” she said, almost tearfully. “There is something really special about all of you. We lost four grannies this year and we gained some new ones. We volunteer to help others. A lot of friendships have formed over the years and we’re thankful Erlanger allows us to keep the thrift store. I feel God has really blessed me.”
After the presentation, Kimball also gave an update on new primary care physicians joining the hospital’s local offices. “We looked at Hayesville first,” he said. “Since we opened our new clinic in August, we have increased our visits 102 percent.”
Grannie’s Attic, Clay County’s oldest thrift store is located at 200 Highway 64 West in Hayesville, next to Subway. Granny’s Attic thrift store is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Like the group on Facebook to find out more.