Calvert Hospice Executive Director Jean Fleming, third from the left, flanked by current members of the agency’s board of directors.
Prince Frederick, MD – A venture that is proving successful for a local nonprofit was the subject of a celebration Tuesday, May 9. Agency officials and volunteers of Calvert Hospice mingled with business and county government representatives inside a Prince Frederick store front to mark the one-year anniversary of the organization’s secondhand boutique. The Shoppe for Hospice was incubated at a commercial location in Huntingtown before moving to a roomier, more centrally located unit on Central Square Drive.
“We have tripled our sales and increased our visibility,” said Calvert Hospice Executive Director Jean Fleming, who indicated The Shoppe for Hospice has become an important revenue stream for the agency. The money helps keep the Burnett Calvert Hospice House in operation. The facility costs an estimated $500,000 a year to operate. Funds are also used to aid those patients who cannot pay for the organization’s services. Hospice’s professionals and volunteers aid patients and their families with the inevitable journey. The services include pain and symptom management for patients, emotional and spiritual support, medications, medical supplies and equipment related to a patient’s terminal diagnosis, short-term inpatient care and the very important bereavement care and counseling to surviving family and friends.
“We need to be an option for everyone,” said Fleming, who commended the Calvert Hospice Board of Directors for the passion they direct to the organization’s operation.
Board President Ryan Raley told TheBayNet.com that The Shoppe for Hospice was “an integral part of the financial feasibility of the organization and we’re looking to expand.”
In addition to light refreshments provided by Dream Weaver Cafe, four Calvert County Commissioners were on hand to preside over a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The boutique is staffed by volunteers and does accept donations of ladies’ and men’s clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, and other accessories. Any donations of furniture must be pre-approved by Hospice staff.
“It’s absolutely my favorite place to shop,” said Calvert Hospice Board of Directors’ Treasurer Cathy Thompson.
The store is located at 92 Central Square Drive in Prince Frederick. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you have questions about The Shoppe for Hospice, phone 443-432-3561. For a more detailed overview of Calvert Hospice, visit the organizations website.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
