Press Release

Burgess Gift Shop Offers More Gifts in New, Larger Space

After sharing the pleasure of music with elementary students in the classroom for 40 years Lou Hewitt is focusing her talents on managing the Auxiliary Gift Shop at Burgess Health Center which is open longer hours for the public to come in and shop.

The Gift Shop has moved into new and larger quarters just off the new Burgess lobby that was created as part of the hospital’s expansion and renovation project. The previous gift shop manager and buyer Evelyn Purchase decided to volunteer for the new information desk greeter service at the hospital along with being a volunteer hostess in the surgery waiting area. She invited Hewitt to take over.

“Evelyn did a great job with this gift shop,” says Hewitt. “She gave me a lot of important advice and information on ordering gifts that people find appealing.” Beverly Purchase continues with the bookkeeping responsibilities for the Gift Shop.

Renovation has provided Burgess with a spacious new gift shop that can now feature more merchandise. Hewitt has added jewelry and purses made by local talent, and is selling candy, greeting cards and like-new books for patient, visitor and employee enjoyment. She also has extended hours.

The shop is open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The public is welcome to stop by and see the new Burgess lobby and browse in the gift shop.

Hewitt is especially pleased with the fresh flowers featured in a cooler right in the shop, provided by Onawa Florists The floral shop provided the cooler as well as the flowers.

“I’m having a ball,” says Hewitt. “Since I have more space, I’ve ordered a lot of new things. It’s been a lot of fun. We have the space to now feature a Christmas tree with ornaments and other holiday decorations, and plan to carry seasonal and holiday items for all the holidays.”

In addition to her duties at Burgess, Hewitt runs the new coffee corner at the Onawa Community Library and heads the local Kiwanis Club.

“I tell people I work at the two most beautiful facilities in Onawa  the library and the hospital,” she says.

The gift shop schedules 18 regular volunteers but is always open to welcome more, Hewitt says. Persons interested in volunteering and a tour of the shop should call Hewitt at 420-0426.