Beebe Auxiliary’s Treasure Chest Thrift Shop closing April 30

After 16 years, Beebe Healthcare’s Auxiliary will close its Treasure Chest Thrift Shop in the Midway Shopping Center at the end of April. The store’s final sale started Feb. 1, with discounts beginning at 20 percent and moving to 60 percent by closing time April 30.

Auxiliary volunteers have contributed more than 420,000 hours of service to the Treasure Chest, generating close to $5 million for the purchases of lifesaving equipment for Beebe.

“The auxiliary has been blessed with so many great members and leaders over the years. We are committed to transforming the auxiliary going forward,” said President Wendell Alfred. “Beebe Auxiliary is thankful for all of its volunteers, customers and contributors who have generously supported this endeavor. We look forward to announcing future efforts to support our local nonprofit community healthcare system.”

For more than 87 years, Beebe Auxiliary has contributed countless hours of service and dedication from its many members along with millions of dollars during that time. The auxiliary was founded in 1936 by Mrs. Edwin Marshall; it began as a group of ladies who made clothing for babies and uniforms for student nurses. Beebe Auxiliary is the oldest fundraising arm of Beebe; it is responsible for both gift shops, and annually sponsors various fundraising sales and events.

“Mike Clemmer and Wendell Alfred had the vision of opening up a thrift shop, and the Treasure Chest was born,” said Tom Protack, Beebe Medical Foundation president. “For over 16 years, volunteers, donors, shoppers and team members have frequented the shop to support Beebe Healthcare. Almost eight years ago, I was honored to be a part of the Treasure Chest team. The spirit of camaraderie, the appreciation of the community and the goodwill at the Treasure Chest were contagious.”

Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people who live, work and visit in the communities it serves. Beebe Healthcare has three campuses: the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus which houses the medical center, the Rehoboth Health Campus and the South Coastal Health Campus. Beebe Healthcare offers primary care as well as specialized services in the areas of cardiovascular, oncology, orthopaedics, general surgery, robotic surgery and women’s health. Beebe also offers walk-in care, lab, imaging and physical rehabilitation services at several locations throughout Sussex County, in addition to a home health program and a comprehensive community health program.

For more information about Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org.