The Community Hospital Gift Shop offers far more than flowers and greeting cards. Located in the hospital’s main atrium, its shelves brim with unique items—purses, windchimes, wall décor, cards, stuffed animals and more—all made by small-scale creators. 

The shop currently features products from 18 local vendors, many with direct ties to the hospital. More than half of them are seniors, and several are hospital employees or volunteers who create in their free time. 

“We are honored to carry items that are thoughtfully crafted by local artists,” said Karen Martsolf, the hospital’s chief marketing and communications officer.  “Being in the hospital can be a stressful time for patients and families. It’s a wonderful way to foster a comfortable and healing environment for our patients, visitors and staff.”

Gift Shop Coordinator Janie White showcases handcrafted gifts available in the shop.    

Gift Shop Coordinator Janie White, who’s in her late 60s, and her husband, Duane, are two of those artists. A lifelong seamstress, White began making items for the shop as a volunteer and quickly saw the potential for a local artist section after taking on the coordinator role. 

“I came out of retirement to take this really fun job,” said White. 

Today, she contributes chemo beanies, baby quilts and brightly colored bowls made from clothesline and fabric, while Duane’s welded metal figurines have become a big hit with customers.

“People appreciate when I point out our artists’ section because they like to buy local and support local artists,” White said.

CRAFTED WITH CARE

Handmade pottery by local artist Karen Peterson.

All proceeds from the shop support the Community Hospital Foundation, which helps fund the nonprofit hospital’s mission and provides assistance to patients in need.

Karen Peterson’s pottery—shaped and glazed in her home studio—has become a favorite for shoppers seeking beautiful, functional pieces. Her bestsellers include pie dishes, fruit bowls and bird feeders. 

“I just hope it’s the first thing they want to grab out of the cupboard,” said Peterson, also a hospital volunteer. “It’s so fulfilling to see that people are buying my pieces and the money is going to such a good cause.”

Health coach and Green Valley Herbal owner Patricia Nizalowski says contributing her botanical body products to the gift shop was a natural fit for her work.

“It’s so good to add a touch of natural wellness for those in a hospital setting—for those feeling nervous, fearful or sad,” said Nizalowski. “Wellness products help us feel better when we feel out of control.”

Her favorite item is Bliss, an aromatherapy mist made with tangerine, rosewood and lavender essential oils.

“In addition to the natural ingredients I use, I put love into every piece I make,” she said. “These products can positively shift your mood, emotions and focus.”

SPACE FOR HEALING

Crocheted animals and colorful comfort items brighten the gift shop’s shelves.

 The gift shop also depends on a rotating team of volunteers—many of them retirees—who staff the counter, restock the shelves and greet customers with warmth and empathy. 

“Our staff is welcoming and eager to assist with finding that perfect gift for a loved one or a unique item to treat yourself,” said Martsolf.

White said her favorite part of working in the gift shop is talking with customers. She recalled one visitor—a manager of several construction companies—who came in every morning for several days while his wife was ill. Feeling helpless, he’d purchase a Warmie stuffed animal for her each day.

“He shared his tears with me,” White said. “I was glad the gift shop was there for him during this stressful time.”

A welded metal dog sculpture by Duane White.

 White strives to feature unique items that aren’t already in the shop. She also works to ensure pricing is fair for both the artists and the hospital.

In a world dominated by online shopping and impersonal gifts, the Community Hospital Gift Shop reminds us that healing is more than medical — it’s emotional. Sometimes, a handmade quilt or a kind word from a volunteer is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Visit the gift shop in the main atrium across from The Flying Pig at 2351 G Road, Grand Junction. The shop is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. To volunteer, call 970-644-3541.

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