Volunteers & Auxiliary

There are many ways to contribute to the life of our community.

Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential part of our community, providing cheer and comfort to those who live and work here. Our volunteers come from within the community and from area churches, schools, clubs, businesses, and organizations.

Volunteers serve in many ways here. Some are friendly visitors to residents in the Health Care Center. Others escort residents to appointments within the community, help during activities, or work in our gift shop or "Almost New" shop. Still other opportunities include:

Discussion group leader
Greeter for Professional Artists Series or other public arts/entertainment events
Clerical assistant
Shopper for residents living in Personal Care neighborhoods
Broadcast camera operator
Computer volunteer
Bingo or stamp group helper
Visually impaired program buddy

Volunteers tell us that they receive as much as they give. They make new friends as they use their talents, skills, and creativity to help others. You may set your own schedule and receive complimentary lunch or dinner when you volunteer, as well as complimentary coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

To get started volunteering with us, simply complete a volunteer application here or stop by the Volunteer Services Office on the second floor of the Health Care Center (Main) Building. We’ll contact you to schedule an interview and give you a general orientation and tour of our community. Then you’ll choose an area in which you’d like to serve.

For more information about volunteering with us, please contact Corinne Peterson by calling (717) 642-5227 or by emailing her.

Brethren Home Auxiliary

The Brethren Home Auxiliary raises funds to support a variety of projects and activities in our community. The Auxiliary’s major project is the Good Samaritan Fund, which helps residents who can no longer pay for their care. Others include the Brethren Home Education Assistance Program (BEHEAP), which provides grants to team members seeking to participate in specialized courses to further their education in a health service career, and the Professional Artists Series, which brings performers to campus for free concerts. Short-term projects purchase needed equipment or fund other efforts to improve the quality of campus life.

We accomplish these goals through various activities, including our membership campaign, operation of the Bee Hive Gift Shop and the Almost New Shop, and a variety of events, from the Chicken Barbecue, Car Show & Auction (the largest event, now in its sixth decade), the Apple Butter Festival and periodic sales of food items, plants, jewelry and "previously read" books. Read more about some of these below.

We encourage everyone who lives or works here to join the Auxiliary. For more information about our Auxiliary, please call Corinne Peterson at (717) 624-5227 or email her.

Chicken Barbecue, Car Show & Auction

For more than half a century, "the Barbecue" has been a late summer fixture on the food-and-fun calendars of thousands of households. Besides its signature dish - sold as a full meal to eat on-site or to go - this event offers numerous other food items, plus a huge book sale, a bake sale and lots of craft items. Musical entertainment is offered, as is a children's play area. The car show brings up to 100 pre-1972 "classics" for public admiration, and the auction offers quilts, antiques and collectibles. The Chicken Barbecue is held the second Saturday in August; admission and parking are free.

Apple Butter Festival

For years the Replogle family came to Cross Keys to make apple butter the old-fashioned way - boiled in a large copper pot over an open fire - as an activity for Health Care Center and Personal Care residents. Then their visit became the centerpiece of a festival, and that festival has grown every year since its inception. Apple butter is made and sold as the focal point of the festival, but there's also a car show, crafts and previously used books for sale, music, a hayride, a tasty lunch and lots more. The Apple Butter Festival is held the second Saturday in October; admission and parking are free.

Bee Hive Gift Shop

The Bee Hive carries an eclectic assortment of gift items, plus a good selection of greeting cards (you can buy stamps, too) and snack foods, and various toiletry and household items. Prices on many items are a welcomed relief for the weary wallet. The Bee Hive is located at the front entrance to the Health Care Center (Main) Building and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 to 3:00.

Almost New Shop

Thrift shops may be proliferating, but few if any can match the Almost New shop for quality, selection and price. The clothing finds can be exceptional, and there's a little of everything else to go with them. It's a wonderful browse. The Almost New Shop is just down the hall from the Health Care Center's front entrance and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, 10:00 to 4:00 on Wednesdays, and 10:00 to 3:00 on the second Saturday of each month.