About Us: Mission & History

Who We Are

Since 1923, the Twin Cities Womens General Auxiliary has worked to provide a loving and supportive environment for the children and families who get critical medical care at Shriners Hospital. The Twin Cities Shriners Hospital provides state of the art orthopedic care to more than 5,000 children annually for no cost to the families. It is one of twenty-one Shriners Hospitals in the country. Both the Shriners Hospital and the Womens General Auxiliary operate from the compassionate generosity of donors. In addition, the Auxiliary is staffed 100% by volunteers and there are no paid positions.

The Benefit to Children

Shriners Hospital is dedicated to holistic care including meeting a child's social, mental, and emotional needs. The Womens General Auxiliary provides that critical sense of well-being and consistency in the lives of children and their families who are experiencing unthinkable challenges.

The Womens General Auxiliary is committed to improving the quality of life for the children and their families at Shriners Hospital, particularly those who experience an extended stay. We create positive childhood memories during a challenging time in a child's life. We give children independence that a wheelchair can provide. We create a community away from home as many children return for follow-up care.

Mission & Accomplishments

The Womens Auxiliary improves the lives of children with special medical needs by serving five primary functions:

1. Equipment - The Womens General Auxiliary purchases and repairs the wheelchairs and special therapeutic equipment for the children of the Shriners Hospital.
   • In 2006 the Auxiliary purchased 90 custom wheelchairs, 36 walkers, 25 strollers and other medical equipment with $360,000 in contributions. Due to escalating costs, the budget for equipment was increased to $40,000 per month. Equipment for home healthcare is also provided for families.
2. Recreation - In 1994 the Womens General Auxiliary built a state-of-the-art playground at a cost of $155,212. This playground is handicapped accessible both for wheelchairs and gurneys. Every year, we provide birthday parties, holiday gifts, holiday celebrations, toys, art supplies, and family entertainment gift cards and telephone cards for the children,
   • In 2006 over 200 children and their families received gifts during the December holiday celebration.
3. Education - We support education for the children by providing classroom supplies, including computers and wireless keyboards. The on-site classroom allows the children to attend school and maintain grade level.
4. Parent Accommodation Center -
   In 1991 the Womens General Auxiliary built an on-site hotel at the cost of $1,073,370, with 14 rooms and direct 24-hour skyway access to the hospital.
   
   • In 2006 2,386 families stayed in the Parent Accommodation Center.
5. Personal Touches - Since 1923, the Womens General Auxiliary has provided handmade comfort blankets, hats and mittens, toys, accessible clothing, and other personal items for every child and their families at Shriners Hospital.

While these are the most prominent supports, service is our core value. The auxiliary prides itself on meeting whatever needs arise through every possible means. Our mission remains the same since 1923: Making children happy and secure in a hospital setting through fundraising efforts and the support of contributions.

The Challenge

For Businesses:

Please consider becoming a partner of the Womens General Auxiliary. Financial contributions are needed for us to carry out our mission. Wheelchairs are always needed to keep the children independent and costs continue to rise. Businesses can also provide goods and services to support the children and families at Shriners Hospital during their extended stay away from home. Your business will be recognized by the Womens General Auxiliary. Learn more about how to contribute financially.

For Individuals:

Join us by becoming an Auxiliary member! The Womens General Auxiliary is always looking for new members to help fill a variety of needs. Learn how to join an Auxiliary near you and help a child in need. Please also consider making a financial contribution to the Auxiliary.

Thank you for your interest in the Womens General Auxiliary. Because of your kindness, your charitable contributions will positively affect the lives of many children.

Contact Us

Womens General Auxiliary
Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Twin Cities

2025 East River Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55414

Email:

Phone: (612) 596-6233