LEWISTON – St. Mary’s Gift Shop marked the end of 2004 by completing its $100,000 pledge in support of the new Dr. Bertrand Beliveau Intensive Care Unit, which was recently opened at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center.

Gift shop volunteers gathered to celebrate and present their final installment donation in the amount of $34,000, all proceeds from gift shop profits in 2004.

Open seven days a week, the gift shop is a favorite shopping spot among employees, patients, visitors and the public. A team of 22 volunteers serves as shop cashiers. The team’s longest-term volunteer is Martha Rivard of Lewiston, who has volunteered her time since 1959, donating more than 14,000 hours to fund-raising efforts to benefit the hospital.

Founded by the Patronesses of St. Mary’s in 1960, and known as the “Wishing Well Gift Shop,” the shop has seen many changes over the years and has since gained prestige as one of the top grossing hospital gift shops in the state.

Director of Volunteer Services at St. Mary’s Joyce Paradis is seeking additional volunteers to help in the shop. While no retail experience is necessary, volunteers should enjoy working with the public, and appreciate and understand good customer service. For an application or more information, contact Paradis at 777-8368.