Wrapping up its 96th year, the Hospital Thrift Shop presented a check this November to Nantucket Cottage Hospital totaling $660,000.
The Hospital Thrift Shop has donated more than $8 million to the hospital since its founding in 1929, when a group of dedicated volunteers came together to provide affordable clothes and household goods to our island community. Its first gift to the hospital that year was $603.
“The Thrift Shop continues to be a shining example of how community generosity transforms care on Nantucket,” said Amy Lee, president of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. “Every donation, every purchase, and every volunteer hour directly supports our mission by helping us expand vital spaces like Physical Therapy and strengthen housing for our dedicated staff.”
This year’s donation of $660,000 is the most ever. The donation will go toward a Gouin Village capital campaign to build employee housing and a new physical therapy space on hospital-owned land off Vesper Lane.
“We would like to thank the Nantucket community and beyond for your support in 2025, which allowed us to make the largest gift ever to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital,” said Mary Casey, Hospital Thrift Shop Executive Director.
Last year, the Thrift Shop donated $625,000, which allowed Nantucket Cottage Hospital to purchase a new bone density scanner, mammography system, and ultrasound equipment. These new devices have brought significant benefits to patients, notably doubling the hospital’s capacity for scheduling mammograms and ultrasounds.
“This year, we saw more donations than in the past which kept our inventory well stocked with treasures for all of our shoppers,” said Casey. “Thank you for your generosity which directly impacts our annual gift to the Nantucket Cottage Hospital”
Many have contributed to the success of the Hospital Thrift Shop, which is open from mid-May through mid-October: residents who donate gently used items, shoppers who get great deals, numerous volunteers who devote substantial time and energy, and a small staff who run the daily operation of this thriving organization.
“Our commitment to Nantucket’s community, and the community’s commitment to the shop, is evidenced by the generosity of our donors, by the diligence and dedication of our volunteers and staff, and by the enthusiasm of our shoppers,” said Pam Leinbach, president of the Thrift Shop Board of Directors. “As we approach our centennial, the Thrift Shop will continue its proud devotion to Nantucket’s residents and visitors by providing affordable goods and by donating the proceeds earned to NCH, to help care for both.”
It’s a tradition that continues to generate great returns for the community by providing affordable goods and for the hospital by providing ongoing financial support that will benefit Nantucket patients into the future.
“We are deeply grateful for the Thrift Shop’s unwavering commitment, which ensures that compassionate, local care remains possible for our island community,” said Lee.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital is a non-profit organization that relies on philanthropy. To make a donation to support their mission this holiday season, visit nantuckethospital.org or call the Development Office at 508-825-8250. All money raised on Nantucket stays on Nantucket to care for our friends and neighbors.
Nantucket Cottage Hospital is a not-for-profit hospital located in Nantucket, Massachusetts with a history of more than 100 years of compassionate care and innovation. A member of the Mass General Brigham system, Nantucket Cottage is the only hospital on the island, which it has served since 1911. The hospital is resolute in its mission of working together with our community to achieve whole person wellness through health and related services. Our vision is an island community that enjoys physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual wellness.