By Ruth SOWBY

After its soft opening in early April, the gift shop in the East Tower Lobby at Adventist Health Glendale was a flurry of activity as hospital foundation members welcomed donors and customers who were treated to merchandise and shiny lights that showcased the new offerings. On Sunday foundation donors were welcomed by foundation members and gift shop staff after a more than five-year pandemic shut down. During the hiatus, the store’s space was utilized as a flu shot clinic.  

Grace Carvajal, hospital volunteer and donor for 28 years, stopped by to receive her “donor appreciation” by foundation members. The Sam and Grace Carvajal Comprehensive Breast Center was established through the generous donations of Grace and her husband Sam Carvajal. After 42 years of service, Sam Carvajal retired in 2003 as director of medical technology at the hospital. The Carvajals received the foundation’s Lifetime Legacy Award in 2018.   

Grace was accompanied to the gift shop by her husband Sam Carvajal senior. He was a long-time hospital division head and chemist. Having retired in 2004, he has good memories of the hospital.  

“My heart is full here,” he said.   

Hospital VIPs present were Elizabeth LaBorde, foundation president; Louise Skosey, foundation vice-president of Development; Margi Kuhn, foundation director of Major Gifts; and Janette Carver, director of Volunteer Services.    

The gift shop brings in thousands of dollars each year to the foundation. Those funds provide, among other patient needs, specialized hospital equipment.  

Volunteers to man the gift shop are needed. Gift shop hours may vary between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with occasional weekend shifts available. Volunteer shifts are four hours or longer. 

For more information call the Volunteer Office at (818) 409-8057.