Richland Center, WI – Stepping inside the Lobby Shoppe at The Richland Hospital is like visiting the perfect boutique gift shop. Only in this store, you have the satisfaction of knowing your purchase is making a difference. It doesn’t take long to get caught up in the selection of luxuriously soft sweaters and wraps, whimsical winter accessories, tasteful jewelry, meaningful home decor, greeting cards, and more. If you find yourself not quite sure which item is “the one”, a welcoming face behind the counter is ready to help.

The Lobby Shoppe is staffed and run by Partners of The Richland Hospital and Clinics, an independent group of volunteers who use funds to support health care scholarships and vital equipment. “2025 marked our 60th year serving The Richland Hospital and Clinics,” adds the group’s President, Cindy Chicker. Their work has a positive impact on so many lives. And they do it by offering a real value to shoppers. “We hear all the time how surprised people are by the good prices,” she adds. The fast-selling items and quick inventory turn are proof the concept is working.

“I stock the store with things I find on various shopping trips,” adds volunteer and main buyer, Connie Dunn. Dunn certainly has an eye for what people want. The entire inventory of light-up snow globe-style cardinals sold out shortly after set-up in early November.

The holiday shopping season is an exciting time for the Lobby Shoppe. Dunn and her team are busy placing the final touches on displays ahead of their Open House which will be held on Friday, November 21 (7 AM – 3 PM) and Saturday, November 22, (8 AM – 2 PM). They also run a highly anticipated holiday bake sale which will be held Friday, December 5, starting at 7 AM. Chicker’s advice? “You’ll want to be there early!”

Partners of The Richland Hospital and Clinics are also collaborating with Richland Hospital Foundation director, Angie Coenen, on a Lights of Reflection event. The public is invited to purchase individual bulbs or strands of lights in honor of, or as a living tribute, to someone special. The lighting ceremony will be at the hospital at 5 PM on Thursday, December 4, but orders will be accepted through December 20. See RichlandHospital.com for more details. “Proceeds will be shared equally between our two groups,” notes Coenen.

Many of the group’s volunteers joined when they worked for TRHC, but they welcome any newcomers who are interested. “The larger group meets just three times a year. Several members take shifts at Lobby Shoppe, and we can certainly use more,” adds Chicker, who says they would love to expand their hours. If you’d like to join this amazing group, contact Sarah Stibbe, Volunteer Coordinator, at 608.647.1883. You can also inquire on their Facebook page, “Partners of The Richland Hospital and Clinics.”