ROCHELLE — Every year the Rochelle Community Hospital Auxiliary hosts a bazaar for the community, presenting a wide array from stocking stuffers to home décor and handmade items.

The event not only allows the community to get an early start on their holiday shopping, but it is also the largest fundraiser held by the auxiliary. After the two-day event last week, volunteers loaded the unsold items and transported them to the gift shop display where they will be available for sale.

Members of the auxiliary also volunteer at the gift shop inside RCH.

With nearly 160 member volunteers, fundraising from the RCH auxiliary supports the hospital’s needs that fall over and above budget. In the past, funds have gone to purchase furniture and televisions for patient rooms, wheelchairs, a treadmill, noninvasive blood pressure monitors, and vision testing equipment.

The auxiliary also provides annual scholarships to Rochelle Township High School students pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Linda Kenney, who oversees the RCH Gift Shoppe, explained they offer more than the traditional hospital gift shop.

“There’s clothing, purses, jewelry, and seasonal items at a reasonable price,” Kenney said. “Some of the items sold in the gift shop are made and donated by auxiliary members.”

Volunteers with the auxiliary also help give tours of the hospital to the Rochelle and surrounding area third-graders.

The RCH auxiliary is looking for members of all ages. Anyone interested is asked to call the Gift Shoppe at 815-561-2-2181, extension 1180. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.