Extensive renovations to the interior of the Mills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary thrift store have turned it into a brighter, more comfortable and welcoming place.
New drywall, paint, updated electrical connections and new lighting were on the project list for work that began in the spring.
"We never had insulation before and now we do," said auxiliary member Dawn Garner of one of the improvements made to the nearly 70-year-old building. The result is a cooler working and shopping environment in the warmer months and a more stable temperature in the cooler months.
One aspect of the interior that did not change is the floor but a new clothing display arrangement has made for wider aisles so that the floor is now more visible. It has also been extensively cleaned.
"People commented that we had a new floor, but no," said Garner. "It's just that you can see more of it now."
There's also new shelving around the interior perimeter, replacing bins.
Garner made the comments at an Oct. 18 informal event held to note the improvements.
Larisa Tarwick, another auxiliary member, told the gathering a lot of planning among volunteers and close contact with contractors went into the renovations.
"This has been real hard work to figure out what to do and to do it well," she said.
The auxiliary recently celebrated 75 years in the community. Profits go toward supporting hospital equipment purchases.
The thrift story is at 4544 Lazelle Ave.
