PioneerCare Auxiliary has announced plans to build a gift shop at PioneerCare Center. With help from the PioneerCare Foundation, fundraising has begun to ensure it happens. Hopes are to begin construction next fall.
Liane Barton, longtime volunteer and activities director, had hoped to create a gift shop at PioneerCare. It would be a place where a visitor could purchase an item for a resident, where residents could access a jar of hand cream, tube of lip balm, package of special candies, or simple gift for a family member or friend.
Liane passed away in 2017, but the dream has lived on. The PioneerCare Auxiliary is excited to propose establishment of the Dragonfly Gift Shop at PioneerCare Center.
The name, Dragonfly, is especially meaningful as it honors the memory of Liane Barton. To Liane, dragonflies were special.
Liane started her career with PioneerCare in 1986, bringing along her passion and talent for helping people throughout her career. In her last years, she simultaneously served as activities and volunteer coordinator, Auxiliary liaison, and supervisor for Pioneer’s homemaker staff.
Liane consistently served as an inspiration to those around her as she always put residents’ needs first.
“Liane presented the idea of a gift shop when we were designing the new building,” Lois Stinogel, the Auxiliary’s president, said. “It was just one of those things crossed off the list as they totaled up construction costs.
Gift shop proceeds will go toward more support of PioneerCare residents. The Dragonfly Gift Shop will occupy space within the main lobby of PioneerCare Center, replacing a cove behind the current volunteer desk. The new gift shop location is expected to increase visibility and access, thereby increasing sales.
Those sales will mean more income for the Auxiliary to support resident needs. Last year, the Auxiliary used such funds to support the annual family picnic, provide digital clocks designed for people with impaired vision, a “white sound” machine to promote better sleep, and other specialized needs that cannot be fulfilled through PioneerCare’s operational funds.
Volunteers staffing the gift shop will serve a dual purpose, providing a more consistent and welcoming presence in the PioneerCare Center lobby.
Each donation can make sure Liane’s dream becomes reality. Construction will not begin until a goal of $35,000 is raised. A gift of $25, $50, $75, $100, or more will get us that much closer to giving the contractor the green light.
To make a secure donation online, please go to the Project Site on GiveMn.org or send your donation, payable to PioneerCare Foundation, 1131 Mabelle Avenue S., Fergus Falls, MN 56537. Please write “Dragonfly” on the memo line.
