WMC Auxiliary Gift Shop celebrates new look

WEIRTON -- The Weirton Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop has a fresh new look, one that was celebrated during an open house grand opening held Wednesday.

The auxiliary's annual donation of $45,000 was used to remodel the gift shop during a portion of August, a project that involved new carpeting, lighting, painting, cabinets and display cases.

Owned and operated by the auxiliary, the gift shop offers a variety of gift and baby items, purses, scarves, jewelry, flowers, balloons, candy, snacks, coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

"People can come in the gift shop and get all kinds of things," said Sondra Weigel, auxiliary president.

In observance of the reopening, special sales were offered with 10 percent off gift items only. That continues through Oct. 15, with some restrictions applying.

There also was a special drawing held that day for a handbag and fall scarf.

Weigel noted the gift shop is a popular shopping spot for visitors, employees and patients, who may call the gift shop for deliveries to their room between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"We have many employees and the public in and out throughout the day," she said, noting the shop's renovation has generated positive feedback. "The public response has been wonderful. Everybody comes in with a lot of nice compliments," Weigel said.

While the shop has undergone a total redo -- its first in 25 years -- added inventory constitutes another facet of improvements.

"We have been expanding the inventory over the past two or three years," Weigel explained.

Roberta Ziemer serves as manager of the gift shop that is staffed by employees and volunteers.

"I love it. It's wonderful," Ziemer said of the overall improvements to the gift shop where she has been the manager for seven years.

The auxiliary was formed in 1953. "We're proudly celebrating 65 years of service," notes Weigel.

"We have our fundraisers that we hold seven times through the year plus the profits from the gift shop all go together to make our donation to the hospital once a year," Weigel explained. "This year the monies were designated for the refurbishment and remodeling of our gift shop here."

The auxiliary's support doesn't go unappreciated.

"What the auxiliary does for the hospital is amazing, and we're just very happy to be part of this grand opening," said John Frankovitch, WMC CEO.

Aside from Weigel, auxiliary officers for 2018 are Elda Weekley, recording secretary; Domenica "Minnie" Malloy, corresponding secretary; and Vivian Weigel, assistant treasurer.

The gift shop is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The phone number is (304) 797-6113. Payroll deductions and credit cards are accepted.