N E W S R E L E A S E
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2017
Shop Supports Saratoga Hospital, Community
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY, March 20, 2017—Treasures Consignment Boutique and Thrift Shop will mark the grand opening of the store’s 2,650-square-foot addition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 24 at 11:30 a.m. at 60 West Ave.
Operated by Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, Treasures raised $160,000 in 2016 for hospital projects and programs. Treasures partners with 35 area nonprofit organizations, donating clothing, household goods and other items for those in need. More than 70 volunteers provide services at Treasures under the leadership of manager Kate Zumback.
The expansion increases Treasures’ floor space significantly to 7,530 square feet, enabling the shop to showcase furniture and estate items. The additional space allows for better receiving, sorting and distribution of the over 50,000 items—from clothing, collectibles, housewares and jewelry—that pass through the store annually.
About 70 percent of merchandise is donated outright by community members who believe in the store’s mission. Treasures also offers goods sold on consignment. The steady support of donors and consignors played a key role in the decision to expand.
“Treasures has become a community institution and a destination store,” said Elizabeth St.Pierre, associate director of volunteer services at Saratoga Hospital. “Shoppers and donors know that, through its outreach efforts and significant support for the hospital, Treasures really benefits everyone in our community. It’s a circle of giving, and people want to be part of it.”
To support the Guild’s commitment to community outreach, the expansion includes a private space for Treasures staff and volunteers to meet with clients in need. Treasures provides vouchers for local nonprofits to distribute at their discretion. In 2016, vouchers enabled clients of these nonprofits to select $76,000 in much-needed items, free of charge.
“The success of Treasures is based upon its commitment to authentic community outreach, excellent customer service and the generosity of our donors, resulting in significant financial contributions to the hospital,” St.Pierre said.
The expansion is the second since Treasures opened at 60 West Avenue in 2009. Three years later, 1,100 square feet were added to the rear of the store to create space to receive merchandise.
Treasures is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations are accepted until 5 p.m. For information, contact kzumback@saratogacare.org.
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About Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild: Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild, the auxiliary organization for Saratoga Hospital, was founded in 1948 to assist with “any project” that would “help the hospital in the community.” Today’s Guild boasts about 250 volunteers who, combined, donate more than 50,000 hours of service to Saratoga Hospital each year. Through its fundraisers and retail establishments, the Guild has contributed millions of dollars to support hospital programs and projects. In recognition of its extraordinary contributions to Saratoga Hospital and the community, the Guild has twice been honored with the Healthcare Association of New York State Auxiliary of the Year Award. For more information: www.saratogahospital.org/about-us/volunteering/volunteer-guild/.
About Saratoga Hospital: Saratoga Hospital is the Saratoga region’s leading healthcare provider and the only acute-care facility in Saratoga County. With a medical staff of more than 450 providers, the hospital offers care in a broad range of medical specialties at more than 20 locations including its Wilton campus and the Saratoga Medical Park at Malta. The Saratoga Hospital Medical Group ensures easy access to services that can have the greatest impact on both individual and community health. In keeping with its emphasis on quality, Saratoga Hospital was the first in the Capital Region to earn Magnet designation for nursing excellence. On Jan. 1, 2017, Saratoga Hospital finalized its affiliation with Albany Medical Center, joining Columbia Memorial Health in creating a regionally integrated, locally governed healthcare system. For more information: www.saratogahospital.org or www.facebook.com/SaratogaHospital.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Peter Hopper
Director, Marketing and Communications
518.583.8679
phopper@saratogahospital.org