Prairie Lakes Hospital Gift Shop Donates $24,000 to Support Local Healthcare Initiatives.

Pictured from left to right: Gift Shop Volunteer Darla Weaver, Volunteer Coordinator Karen Henricks, Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dahl, and Gift Shop Volunteer Lori Marscheider.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation received a considerable boost this week as the Prairie Lakes Hospital Gift Shop announced a total donation of $24,000 for the 2025 calendar year.

The contribution is the result of year-long support from hospital staff, patients, families, and visitors. As a volunteer-run entity, the gift shop directs all proceeds back into the community through the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, which funds critical medical equipment, patient care services, and specialized health programs.

“Every purchase truly makes a difference,” the Foundation stated in a release. “All proceeds stay local, supporting patients right here at PLHS and helping us provide comfort and care to those who need it most.”

A Local Impact Built by Volunteers

The gift shop, located on the first floor of the hospital, is managed and staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers. This year’s $24,000 gift highlights the shop’s role not only as a convenience for visitors but as a vital fundraising arm for the healthcare system.

Funds raised by the Foundation support several key areas, including:

·        The General Fund: Providing resources for hospital departments to enhance services and meet urgent needs.

·        Patient Assistance: Supporting initiatives like the Suzanne Jacobson Memorial Fund and the Christy Kinney “Pay It Forward” Fund, which help local patients manage medical bills and travel costs.

·        Community Resources: Maintaining the Caring Club House, which offers hospitality for out-of-town patients and their caregivers.

Recognition of Service

The donation was officially commemorated by Gift Shop Volunteers Darla Weaver and Lori Marscheider, alongside Volunteer Coordinator Karen Henricks and Foundation Executive Director Lisa Dahl.

The Prairie Lakes Hospital Gift Shop is typically open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members looking to support the Foundation can do so by making direct donations or by shopping the gift shop’s selection of gifts, cards, and seasonal items.