Nestled within the LMH Health Main Campus, the LMH Health Gift Shop is more than just a retail space–it’s a warm, welcoming sanctuary serving hospital staff, patients, their visitors, and the local community. Originally opened in 1977 by the LMH Health Auxiliary (now known as the LMH Health Volunteers), this unique gift shop’s history is rooted in giving back. Over the decades, it has grown into a beloved part of the hospital, continually donating profits to support LMH Health initiatives and providing quality items and outstanding service to every visitor. Here’s a deeper look at the five best things about this special place.

1. A Unique Shopping Experience

The LMH Health Gift Shop is unlike any other. With its cozy, thoughtfully designed 1,500-square-foot layout, it offers a shopping experience that caters to everyone, including those using wheelchairs or walking aids. Its open-concept design makes it easy for people of all mobility levels to navigate. The shop is currently working on adding an ADA-compliant cash register to enhance accessibility even further, Shop Manager Cindy Kruger said.

What truly sets the space apart is its atmosphere. Each season, the shop’s dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to transform it, decorating with care and creativity to create a joyful, calming ambiance. The shop feels like a haven of tranquility, with each display thoughtfully arranged to bring a smile to customers’ faces. As Cindy Kruger put it, “The gift shop is more than a retail spot; it’s a haven that allows you to shop while making a difference.” Visitors feel the warm, welcoming spirit as soon as they enter, and every purchase they make goes toward supporting the hospital’s mission.

2. Volunteers: The Heart of the Shop

The LMH Health Gift Shop thrives thanks to the dedication and hard work of its team, which includes 20 loyal volunteers and two paid staff members: Cindy Kruger and Coordinator/Bookkeeper Jennifer Crowe. These individuals bring energy, passion, and a positive attitude to every shift, assisting customers, handling the cash register, and preparing the shop for special sales and holiday events. Many of the volunteers have been with the shop for years, building connections with repeat customers and adding a personal touch to each interaction.

Cindy Kruger leads the team with a commitment to providing a memorable shopping experience. She believes in empowering her volunteers, giving them the tools and support they need to succeed. “Our volunteers bring a level of warmth and friendliness that truly makes every visit special,” she said. “And knowing that every dollar spent supports LMH Health initiatives, including hospital renovations and advanced equipment, makes the work feel incredibly rewarding.”

3. A Wide Range of Products

The LMH Health Gift Shop boasts an impressive selection, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a hospital staff member looking for a small treat, a visitor seeking a gift for a loved one, or a member of the community browsing for unique finds, you’re bound to discover something special. Cindy Kruger curates all the shop’s merchandise herself, using her background as a department store buyer to select items that are on-trend and appealing to a diverse audience.

The shop’s shelves are stocked with an array of products, from home décor and candles to jewelry, greeting cards, and Kansas University and Kansas City Chiefs merchandise. Popular brands include Woodwick Candles, Fahlo animal-tracking bracelets, and Willow Tree figurines. Shoppers can find cozy sweaters, cheerful balloon bouquets, and adorable gifts for newborns.

A unique section within the gift shop is Mario’s Closet, a private, separate area. Established in 2011 through a donation from Kansas University basketball player Mario V. Chalmers, it serves as a comforting space for men and women battling cancer, offering affordable solutions to address the physical effects of treatment. Products include wigs, hats, caps, scarves, and wellness items. Free wig fittings are available by appointment, along with knitted knockers–a lightweight, comfortable alternative to traditional breast prostheses for breast cancer survivors. Mario’s Closet is the only boutique of its kind in Lawrence, providing patients with products that help restore confidence, dignity, and hope.

4. Community-Centric and Nonprofit-Driven

The LMH Health Gift Shop has a strong connection to the community. Operating within the hospital, the shop primarily serves staff, patients, and visitors, but also welcomes members of the public. It has built a loyal customer base, drawing people from across the community who appreciate the high-quality selection and friendly atmosphere. The shop has consistently been voted in the top three for the Best of Lawrence Gift Shops since 2015, and has held the number one spot for the past two years.

“We’re not downtown or in a mall, so our customers have to make an effort to come to us,” Cindy Kruger explained. “But people keep coming back because they know that every purchase supports a good cause.” Parking is free, including valet parking, making it easy and convenient for everyone to visit.

The gift shop contributes an impressive $110,000 annually to the LMH Foundation and hospital, a combination of salary reimbursement as well as a large gift to the Foundation. From funding patient care to supporting new technology and equipment, every dollar spent in the shop helps strengthen LMH Health’s ability to serve the community. In addition to offering a respite for hospital staff to shop during breaks, the gift shop hosts VIP late-night previews of special sales, specifically for the night shift staff, to show appreciation for their hard work.

5. Magical Holiday Events

The LMH Health Gift Shop is particularly enchanting during the holiday season. Each year, volunteers transform the shop with festive decorations, bringing holiday cheer to the hospital. One of the season’s most popular events is the Holiday Plant Sale, set this year for Tuesday, Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can purchase poinsettias and Christmas cacti, with proceeds funding scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers. The goal is to raise $1,500 each year, with three to four students receiving $1,000 scholarships that are renewable for up to four years. Notices of the scholarship opportunity are sent to volunteers and local high schools, ensuring that talented students in the community are aware of the program.

The holiday season also brings the PLINKO sale, a fun, interactive event where customers can win discounts of 20%, 25%, or even 30% off their purchases. Scheduled this year for Wednesday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 20, the PLINKO sale adds a bit of excitement to holiday shopping, giving customers a chance to save while supporting a good cause.

Supporting a Stronger Community, One Purchase at a Time

The LMH Health Gift Shop is more than a place to buy a gift–it’s a community-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive impact. Every dollar spent in the shop goes back to LMH Health, funding patient care and critical resources for the hospital. The dedicated team of volunteers and staff are committed to creating a memorable shopping experience, knowing that their efforts contribute to a stronger, healthier community.

So next time you’re at LMH Health, or if you’re simply looking for a meaningful shopping experience, consider stopping by the gift shop. Whether you’re in search of a heartfelt gift, a comforting item, or a bit of retail therapy, you’ll find it at the LMH Health Gift Shop–and you’ll be supporting a wonderful cause with every purchase.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit LMH.org and click the volunteer button. For additional information, reach out to Shop Manager Cindy Kruger at 785-505-3144 or Manager of Volunteer Services Shane Heiman at 785-505-3141.

• Gift Shop Manager/ Buyer: Cindy Kruger

• Gift Shop Coordinator: Jen Crowe

• Volunteer Services Manager: Shane Heiman

• Volunteer Services Supervisor: Nicole Olson