Vidant Beaufort Hospital in Washington debuted its new gift shop “Upfront Gift Corner” at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 17.

Mike Andrews, director of patient access and support services at Vidant Beaufort, said he first came up with the idea after hearing feedback from other employees on his hospital rounds, as they told him people were asking about buying gifts for newborns.

As one employee told him, he was the man to make it happen.

“We didn’t have one here at all,” Andrews said. “In the past I think they had tried a little consignment shop and it failed.”

He said he was surprised to get a quick approval from the hospital’s executive leadership team, but after getting approval, double-checking regulations and gathering vendors, the shop became a reality about six months later. It is located right off the front lobby.

“It’s been a ball of fun,” Andrews said. “We moved on it pretty quick.”

Jan Hamblin, manager of volunteer services, said the shop sells a variety of items including baby gifts, greeting cards, jewelry, drug store items, Simply Southern brand gifts and Main Street Design gifts, among many others.

She said the hospital wants the shop to be staffed by volunteers, and the volunteer services team is in the process of recruiting.

“It’s been very well received,” Hamblin said, adding that employees are enjoying the convenience of it. “When people see it, they’ll stop in to check it out. … The comments when people come in are very positive.”

Andrews said he has also started a candy cart to take on hospital rounds, and both ideas are just a way to offer encouragement to employees, patients and their loved ones.

“We needed to do something to change the morale in the hospital,” he said. “No. 1, we’re supporting the community and the patients and visitors … just giving them something else to be able to do while they’re here at the hospital.”

To volunteer at the gift shop, contact Jan Hamblin at 252-975-4195.