March 29, 2024

Annual membership drive underway for MercyOne Newton Auxiliary

The MercyOne Newton Auxiliary is currently holding its annual membership drive. The Auxiliary provides funding for important equipment and supplies for MercyOne Newton Medical Center and also offers scholarships to local students pursuing a career in health care.

Earlier this year, $13,000 was provided in scholarships, and another $29,000 was presented to the hospital for equipment purchases. Thanks to funds raised from membership dues, gift shop proceeds and various donations, the auxiliary in the past few years has funded the purchase of shoulder instruments for the or, a pulmonary function testing machine, a cardiac stress treadmill, an endoscopy suite upgrade and a radiofrequency ablation machine.

“Our members are the backbone of our organization, whether it is through their membership donations, volunteer opportunities or both,” Jane Repp, auxiliary president, said. “Our members, along with our community support, make the Auxiliary able to be a major supporter of MercyOne Newton.”

The MercyOne Newton Auxiliary volunteers donate more than 7,000 hours annually at the hospital by greeting visitors and patients at the ambassador desk and the cancer clinic, delivering flowers and magazines to patients and working in the hospital gift shop. Other volunteer opportunities include serving as surgical waiting room greeter, assisting with blood drives, and serving on the Auxiliary Board and fundraising committees.

“The beauty of an Auxiliary membership is that you may be as active as you chose,” said Repp. “Whether you donate your time or you provide financial support, it all makes a difference for the hospital and its patients.”

Membership is open to all Jasper County residents. Membership forms are available at the Auxiliary gift shop, which is located just inside the main entrance at MercyOne Newton, 204 N. Fourth Ave. E. An individual or family membership is only $20 and a lifetime membership is $250. Completed enrollment forms and payment (debit/credit card, cash or checks payable to MercyOne Newton Auxiliary) may be either dropped off at the gift shop, or mailed to MercyOne Newton Auxiliary, Attn: Membership, 204 N. Fourth Ave. E., Newton, IA 50208. For questions about the MercyOne Newton Auxiliary, or to learn more, contact Membership Chair Candy Thompson at 641-792-7386.