Of the many ways the St. Andrews Auxiliary interacts with the community to support good health care delivery, one "giving" opportunity that is very high on our priority "to do" list this time of year is the annual Christmas luncheon prepared for all the employees at both St. Andrews Village and the St. Andrews Campus (former hospital facility).

Many hands are involved in "making spirits bright" for this occasion as all of the food is lovingly prepared by Auxilians, some of whom have served the community in this capacity until they could no longer lift a ladle. Prior to the event, several members of the Auxiliary come together to transform a conference room into a cheery holiday haven and then still more show up on the appointed day at both locations and don aprons to serve those who serve all of us so well throughout the year.

Two wreaths, one created by Audrey Kelly and the other by the Boothbay Region Greenhouses, and a table centerpiece created by Carol Lingard were donated to be given away to three lucky winners. Even the drinks served at the luncheon are donated each year by Hannaford.

This year, President Carol Ostermann was on hand to welcome those dining at the St. Andrews Campus and Vice President Irene Gerny greeted all who entered the Village dining room for this holiday celebration.

The St. Andrews Auxiliary raises money each year to support various aspects of our local health care system. The primary funding source is the Thrift Shop on Townsend Avenue in the Meadow Mall. If you are interested in the work of the Auxiliary and would like to be a part of it, please consider volunteering at the Thrift Shop, at the Village or on the St. Andrews campus, or assisting the Auxiliary board as a committee member. Applications for Auxiliary membership are available at the Thrift Shop.