JOPLIN, Mo. – The Freeman Gift Gallery in Neosho reopened to much fanfare Tuesday morning after closing in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Calling it a happy day for everyone involved, Freeman Health System President and Chief Executive Officer Paula Baker said the gift shop was “back and better than ever.”

The Freeman Gift Gallery – located inside Freeman Neosho Hospital – was converted into a negative pressure room for sick COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.

“The tireless work of Freeman Auxiliary and our generous Freeman volunteers is essential,” Baker said during the ceremony. “Proceeds from the Freeman Gift Gallery help many of our community partners, such as area nursing schools, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States and many others.”

Additionally, Freeman Gift Gallery proceeds support Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Ozark Center Turnaround Ranch, among others. Staffed by dedicated Freeman volunteers, Freeman Auxiliary contributed more than $100,000 last year to worthwhile projects benefiting both Freeman patients and the community at large.

“Day in and day out, Freeman Auxiliary and Freeman volunteers make a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families across our region,” Baker said. “We expect to do even more now with the reopened Freeman Gift Gallery in Neosho.”