Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary - Des Moines
About the Auxiliary
The Iowa Lutheran Auxiliary is a member-based program with the mission to support services and activities benefiting patients, the community and Iowa Lutheran Hospital. The Auxiliary has raised more than $3 Million and continues to touch almost every area of the hospital. Now nearly 500 members strong, the Iowa Lutheran Hospital Auxiliary proudly holds the honor of being the oldest hospital auxiliary in the city.
Auxiliary Membership
By completing your Auxiliary Membership, you are joining a great organization. Together we make such a difference in the lives of the patients, families and staff we serve through volunteering and the gifts we raise. As you are completing your membership form, if you have questions, please call Ashley Thompson at (515) 241-8108.
The membership year is from January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023.
Auxiliary Highlights
Iowa Lutheran Auxiliary Timeline
1910
In 1910, four years before Iowa Lutheran Hospital opened its doors, women from the First Lutheran Church in Des Moines founded the Iowa Lutheran Auxiliary to raise funds for its establishment.
1914
When the hospital was built in 1914, Auxiliary members became involved by cutting and stitching hospital supplies, including polio packs in the years when they were so desperately needed. Later, a sewing committee was created to provide the hospital with blankets, smocks and aprons.
1950s
In the 1950s, Auxiliary members began providing their first direct service function of delivering flowers to patients. The Auxiliary's list of services continued to grow, including the addition of the admitting escort service, the gift shop, a telecare program to provide contact for individuals living alone and the candy striper program for area teenagers. The Candy Striper program was later renamed the Volunteen program, and through the Auxiliary's support, the program has continued to grow. Last year, over 80 local youth dedicated their time and talents to helping staff members, patients and families of Iowa Lutheran.
1975
In 1975, the Auxiliary further expanded their services and opened a thrift shop, which is now named the Not New Shop. Connected to George Washington Carver Community School and the Boys and Girls Club, the Not New Shop offers a wide variety of items ranging from household goods to jewelry and clothing.