As the administrative team at the St. Luke’s Lehighton Campus prepares for the opening of its new St. Luke’s Carbon Campus in Franklin Township, so do the leaders of the hospital auxiliaries that supported the former Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton hospitals. The two groups will merge to create a new auxiliary to support the Carbon Campus.

A gift of $11,000 represents the final donation to be presented by the St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten-Lehighton Campus Auxiliary.

Kenneth Esrang, the current Lehighton Auxiliary president, has mixed emotions, “I am naturally sad to see the end of our auxiliary as we know it. After all, we’ve been around in one way, shape or form since 1946. With that said, however, I am equally optimistic about the future of health care here in Carbon County, and the opportunity a new auxiliary will bring, as we continue to support St. Luke’s and its healing mission locally.”

John Nespoli, who is president of the St. Luke’s Lehighton and Carbon campuses, expressed his deep appreciation for this contribution, and for the support of each auxiliary member, “Their kindness, generosity and hard work did not go without notice, and it lifted the spirits of our staff and patients alike throughout this very different and difficult year. We are so very thankful to have these good people in our corner.”

The Palmerton Auxiliary will present its final gift at an annual dinner meeting being planned for later this year.