Auxiliary for Community Health honored by fire department

WINSTED —  The Auxiliary for Community Health served as the honorary parade marshals for the Winsted Fire Department’s annual parade on Saturday, Aug. 22. 

Members of the auxiliary sat near the judging area during the parade as it went down Main Street.

The Auxiliary operates a thrift shop located at 120 Willow St., which is how it earns funds for donations.

The organization was founded over 100 years ago to offer financial aid to community health programs.

In the past, the organization has donated to various services offered by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital at the Winsted Health Center, including donations to the radiology and emergency departments.

The auxiliary has also donated funds to operate programs at the Northwest YMCA. 

Recently the organization has donated funds to the fire department for it to purchase a rescue boat, including a trailer and motor.

“It feels great to give back to the community,” organization President Milly Hudak said. “That’s why we are here. As for the fire department, I give kudos to any volunteer organization. It doesn’t matter if it’s 110 degrees in the shade or 30 degrees below zero, these guys always go out and are saving lives.”

During the parade, as members of the Winsted Fire Department approached the reviewing stand, the parade was stopped in order for department members to honor the auxiliary.

Hudak was presented a plaque by outgoing Fire Department Chief Robert Shopey. 

“In 1901, an assembly of women from our community formed a group to establish a role within the newly built hospital,” Shopey said in a speech in front of parade attendees. “The role of the volunteers was determined to be to look into the needs of the hospital which may be overlooked by the men. These unselfish volunteers served the hospital’s needs for more than 95 years.”

Shopey said the Auxiliary continued to serve the hospital’s needs until it closed in 1996.

“Despite the hospital’s closure, the Auxiliary continued to exist,” Shopey said. “They renamed themselves the Auxiliary for Community Health and they focused on earmarking funds that they raise towards community health related projects. Through their generosity, dedication and unselfish efforts by these volunteers, the Auxiliary has made our town a safer and healthier place to live. In appreciation and recognition for your continued support, we proudly recognize them as honorary parade marshals.”