The LVC Celebrates 153 Years

As the LVC prepares for its 153rd anniversary on Thursday, April 7, staff will have the chance to join in on the exciting LVC Day celebrations – all while giving back to the MGH community.

One of the oldest hospital auxiliaries in the country, the LVC oversees hospital’s six retail shops – including the MGH General Store and Flower Shop on the main campus – where all proceeds go directly back to Mass General to fund patient programs, services and activities.

“People often forget that shopping the MGH Gift Shop directly benefits the hospital staff, patients and their families,” says Pamela Oswald Louis, head of LVC marketing and communications. “Whether you’re looking for clothing, chocolates or a bouquet of flowers, you can find it at the shops.”

This LVC Day, the General Store and Flower Shop on the main campus will open at 7 am so staff can take advantage of a special 20% discount. An additional 10% off will also be available for preferred cardholders. The sale will also be held in the Yawkey and Danvers shop locations, which open at 8:30 am. Shoppers are encouraged to visit the main campus location in the days leading up to LVC Day for the chance to win a jar of sweet treats from Lake Champlain Chocolates. The winner will be announced on April 7.

In addition to their traditional General Store sales, the LVC took on a new initiative this year to address the ongoing nationwide blood shortage. From March 7 to April 7, the group is partnering with the MGH Blood Donor Center for a blood donation challenge. To encourage donations, the names of all staff who donate will be entered to win a raffle.

“With everything going on at the hospital right now, we were eager to find ways to help,” Oswald Louis said. “Our partnership with the Blood Donor Center was a great addition to this year’s LVC Day celebrations.”