A History of Service. A Legacy of Giving.
In October 1887, Lois Whitney, one of the first members of the hospital’s board of managers, invited four friends to lunch. Afterward, she pulled out hospital table napkins from her workbasket that needed hemming. Her friends offered to help her, so they spent the afternoon chatting and sewing.
Two weeks later, the group expanded to include eight friends who enjoyed meeting together while they accomplished a worthwhile project for the hospital. The new circle of friends decided that they were not really big enough to be called a branch of anything, so they called themselves a “TWIG.”
Since 1948, more than 20 TWIG groups have been formed to support the Center. Many volunteers donate their time and talents to assist patients, visitors and staff.
Today, Fairfield Medical Center has 8 active TWIGS. Each TWIG works to assist the Center with purchases of needed equipment and with support of hospital programs. For more than 70 years, the TWIGS have donated more than $4.5 million to FMC for community health care.
For more information about TWIGS membership or for additional information regarding their projects, please contact the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation at 740-687-8107.
TWIG 1 – Cancer Care Run
Myrtle Ginder Smith Memorial, established in 1948.
Held annually in the fall at Martens Park, the TWIG 1 5K and 2 Mile Walk raises money to support the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund. Donations help provide patients with everything from basic nutritional supplements, diagnostic and preventative treatments, wigs and other necessary items not covered by health insurance.
The 2023 Cancer Care Run was held on October 7 with a record number of participants – 235! The 2024 Cancer Care Run will be held on October 12 at Martens Park in Lancaster. To register, click here.
We’re always looking for new members. For more information about TWIG 1, please email christamoody78@gmail.com.
Meet new friends. Connect with community. Make an impact.
TWIG 2 – Bargain Boutique
Established in 1948
1724 East Main Street
Lancaster, Ohio.
Phone 740-415-8755
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After many months of being closed due to COVID-19, Fairfield Medical Center’s TWIG 2’s Bargain Boutique is open!
Consignments are accepted Thursdays – Saturdays 10 a.m. – noon, and donations are accepted during open hours, unless the accepting room is full. Please call 740-415-8755 to confirm this, and check the terms of consignment and donation listed below.
We recommend that masks are worn while in our shop.
All proceeds benefit FMC programs and medical equipment purchases through the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation.
The Bargain Boutique was started in November of 1968. It is Lancaster’s oldest consignment shop and features fine-quality clothing for men, women and children, as well as small household items.
Terms for consignment and donation are:
- Ten items can be consigned per person per week. There is a $2.00 charge for every 10 items (or less) consigned per week.
- Consignors receive two-thirds of the set price when an item is sold; the Boutique receives one-third of the set price.
- Clothing items to be considered for consignment must be clean, in excellent condition, in current fashion and season, and on hangers.
- Household items must be clean and in working condition. Working batteries must be included, when applicable.
- All merchandise accepted for sale will be displayed for five weeks.
- If not sold by the end of the fifth week, the item will automatically become the property of the Boutique.
- No one under the age of 18 is permitted to consign items.
- For a complete list of the terms of consignment and for those items we cannot accept, please contact the Bargain Boutique at 740-415-8755.
TWIG 6 – “In the Bag” Sale
Baltimore, established in 1950
“In the Bag” is a sale of designer handbags, luggage and accessories. Held in the fall and spring in the FMC’s assembly rooms, the event is open to the public.
Proceeds from the sale benefit FMC programs and medical-equipment purchases.
TWIG 7 – Tree of Light and Bridge-A-Rama
Frank S. Benson, Sr., established in 1950
The December holiday season is a time of giving and sharing. Each year, the TWIG decorates three trees, one in the north lobby of the hospital, one in the south lobby, and one at the FMC River Valley Campus. For a donation, everyone is invited to sponsor a light on the Tree of Light in honor of or in memory of someone. The honoree will receive notification that a light is shining in his/her name. The Book of Honor, stationed by the trees, lists the names of all donors and honorees.
From Oct. 1 until May 31 each year, Bridge-A-Rama is a fun event for those who play contract bridge. There is a ladies afternoon group and an evening couples group. Play is governed by the rules of the American Bridge League. The host/hostess for the month is responsible for contacting the other three players early in the month to arrange the dates of play. Each player pays a one-time participation cost of $16. Twenty hands are played in each monthly session. In addition, partners in each group can win prizes.
A $10 prize is awarded monthly to the partners with the highest score. Grand prizes are awarded at the end of the Bridge-A-Rama year; $50 to the partners with the highest total score for all eight months, $30 to the partners with the second-highest total score and $20 to the partners with the third-highest total score.
Proceeds from both projects benefit FMC programs and medical-equipment purchases.
TWIG 9 – Uniform Sale and RADA Cutlery Sale
Dr. P.S. Bone Memorial, established in 1950
Several times a year, Fairfield Medical Center partners with a local uniform company to hold a “Shop at Work Day” at the hospital. FMC employees and public are invited to shop and save on brand-name uniforms, scrubs, shoes and accessories. Twice a year, TWIG 9 also holds a RADA cutlery sale. This is open to employees and the public and features knives, kitchen utensils, soup and dip mixes.
TWIG 9’s main focus is the Maternity Department, but proceeds also support other FMC programs.
TWIG 12 – Wishes Gift Shop
Margaret Padden Memorial, established 1957
TWIG 12 provides most of the volunteer and staffing for FMC’s Wishes Gift Shop. Proceeds from the gift shop benefit FMC programs and medical-equipment purchases. In addition, TWIG 12 purchases Koff Kushions for cardiovascular patients as needed.
Click here for information about the Wishes Gift Shop.
TWIG 13 – Homemade Pies and Jose Madrid Salsa Sale
Millersport, established in 1958
TWIG 13’s homemade pie sale happens twice a year in Millersport. Sales are held the weekend before Memorial Day in May and again in the fall at the end of September or beginning of October.
Proceeds from the sale benefit FMC programs and medical-equipment purchases.
TWIG 16 – Collective Goods Sale
Established in 1968
Date: Spring 24 Hour Sale
Date: Fall 2 Day Sale
Collective Goods, formerly Books Are Fun, holds a spring and fall book fair each year. FMC assembly rooms are filled with new books and gift items, including household, seasonal and one-of-a-kind gifts. You can look forward to seeing children’s books, bestsellers, books on sports, hobbies, crafts, cooking, home and garden, inspirational and so much more. There is something for everyone! These products are offered at discounts well below retail pricing. The public is invited and cash, personal checks, MasterCard, Visa and Discover Cards are accepted. Payroll deduction is available for FMC employees.
All Proceeds benefit FMC programs, medical-equipment purchases and the Summer Autism Camp.