Beryl Skeen, president of the Woman's Board of Norwalk Hospital, puts a price tag on a hat at the Treasure House thrift shop in Norwalk last Sturday. The shop, depicted below, will be celebrating its 50th birthday Feb. 3 from 10am to 4pm. All are welcome. All of the proceeds from the Treasure House benefit patient services at Norwalk Hospital.

A CITY TREASURE TO CELEBRATE 50TH
by Nicole Rivard
nrivarddd@bcnnew.com

Beryl Skeen, president of the Woman's Board of Norwalk Hospital, often describes the Treasure House thrift shop on Isaacs Street in Norwalk as the little red house with the big heart.

But i's not just because the shop's proceeds benefit patients' services at Norwalk Hospital - over the past 50 years it has given the hospital more than three million dollars.

it's because of the warmth, commitment and compassion of the 67 women who make up the Woman's Board and who keep the Treasure House running as smoothly as any department store.

"It's called the Treasure House because you never know what you are going to find," said Marian Bochniak, past president and membership chairman of the Woman's Board, during a visit Monday morning.

On any given day visitors might find a Burbery coat, a J.Crew sweater, a Dooney & Burke handbag, a piece of fine china, even a wedding dress. The ladies once had someone donate a Tiffany bracelet. The shop carries men's, women's and children's clothing., household goods, small appliances, antiques, toys and sporting goods. There are also items such as books, CDs, greeting cards and photo albums, to mention a few.

Skeen and Bochniak, both Norwalkers, provided a tour of the Victorian house that Treasure House calls home (it was once a boarding house), beginning with the marking room, where the donations get sorted and then receive a price tag. Then it was on to the retail floor, completed with dressing rooms, and finally upstairs, where the seasonal merchandise is stored.

The ladies pointed out a dumwaiter that asssist the staff with moving merchandise from floor to floor.

It's hard to believe that this well-oiled machine is run by volunteers, and how much their efforts have paid off for Norwalk Hospital.

For example, when Honey Hill Care Center, an affiliate of the hospital, was in the planning stages, the Woman's Board pledged $1 million dollars to its Building Fund. The pledge was paid in 7 1/2 years. The Honey Hill Care Center was dedicated in 1993 and a plaque in its lobby recognizes the Woman's Board.

"I'm going to quote my husband," Bochniak said with a laugh. "'I don't know how they do it on their nickel and dime operation.' My husband couldn't believe we raised that amount of money in that short of time."

The Woman's Board also donated $25,000 for the creation of a strolling garden at Honey Hill.

The members of the Woman's Board, who come from towns anbd cities across Fairfield County, know they owe part of their success to people from the communit who donate merchandise an the customers who stroll through not only to buy things, but to relax and chat.

On Monday, visitors discussed everything from the frigid temperatures and the amount of snow to the passing of Jack Lalane.

"You know what amazes me, the same people come in day after day after day. We make this money, and I thik, 'How do we do it?' It's a mystery: But it does happen," Skeen said.

"We have a very loyal customer clientele. And the same goes for the people who donate. We are happy that they still support us. We appreciate their support especially in hard times."

She said the shop attracts customers from New Haven and Bridgeport and all over Fairfield County, as well as from out of state. For instance, people that used to shop there before they moved down south still come in when they are in Norwalk visiting friends and family.

"I have alady who comes in regularly from New York City when she's here to visit her grandchildren. She loves the jewelry," Skeen said.

However, she points out that there are residents of Norwalk, and even staff at the hospital, that are unaware Treasure House exists.

The roots of Treasure House reach back a century, to the beginning of Norwalk Hospital in 1893. When it opened to seve the medical needs of the city, a Ladies Visiting Board was formed to seek out caring women from churches, factories and civic-minded born.

In addition to supporting the Honey Hill Care Center, the Woman's Board also supports and maintains the Little Chapel in the Hospital, and provides respiratory therapy scholarships and scholarships for nurses. It also operates a layatte program at the hospital and at the Norwalk Community Health Center. The new moms in need receive a layette, which consists of sleeper outfits, a bib, undershirts, a terrycloth towel and a hand knit blanket and hat.

Each year members also receiv e a wish list from the hospital staff with items they are in need of. For instance in 2008 and 2009, the Woman's Board purchased standard and bariatric wheelchairs and breast boards for radiation treatment.

Most recently the Woman's Board pledged $200,000 for a new ambulatory pavillion.

"February 3, 2011, the 50th birthday of the Treasure House, is a significant day. It represents the longterm dedicated commitment of the Woman's Board of Norwalk Hospital to our patients and to our community," said Dan DeBarba, president and CEO of Norwalk Hospital.

"Their success with this popular thrift shop over the years - for which they donate all procees to the hospital - has had a tremendous impact on the growth and development of Noralk Hospital. As we approach this special day, we offer our congratulations and gratitiude to all of the members of the Woman's Board, past and present."

HOURS: 10am to 1pm, Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat and 10am to 4pm Tues & Thurs.