TWIGS 4 began in 1950. Two of the charter members were Mrs. John Alford and Mrs. B. Williams.

Their first main project was the snack bar in the old hospital. They continued with the snack bar in the new hospital until it became an All TWIGS Project, at which time TWIGS 4 still worked at it. At one time working in the snack bar was a membership requirement for TWIGS 4.

Their next project was the “Vacation Auction” and “Merchandise Auction” which was successful for many years. However, as gasoline prices increased, it became more difficult, not only to get vacations from resorts, but also to auction them off, so this project was discontinued.

Another project called “Super Duper Days” was discontinued after a few years.

Selling “Entertainment Books” was the next fundraising project. They also started selling Rada Cutlery, which they continue to sell, and it also has been very successful.

TWIGS originated with a ladies’ auxiliary group of Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, New York in the late 1800s.

The TWIGS 6 Granville Thrift Shop has been in operation for more than 60 years, and was one of the first TWIGS group projects created to support LMH. The Thrift Shop originally opened in 1950 in a portion of the old Granville firehouse. When the current firehouse was built, the old building was torn down, and the Thrift Shop moved to a larger location above the Granville village offices. After leaving the village offices, TWIGS 6 purchased a small house on Broadway Street in Granville, and operated the Thrift Shop in that location for many years. When the house sold in the fall of 1964, the proceeds were donated to the Hospital. The Thrift Shop then moved to the Granville Shopping Center in 1988, and then relocated to a new location on Main Street between NAPA Auto Parts and Granville Milling in 2001. In 2011, the TWIGS 6 Granville Thrift Shop relocated to 1865 Tamarack Road in Newark.

TWIGS 8 began in 1950 with two card tables on which they began selling baby items, candy, jewelry, etc., later moving to the end of the ramps in the old hospital. Items sold were all homemade.

After every shift, merchandise was taken to the basement storeroom. They had a gift cart, which they used to take around the hospital to sell items. The “Shop” was open two hours in the afternoon and evening.

Currently, each member works two, three-hour shifts per month. The Gift Shop is open eight hours a day, seven days per week, except on holidays.

TWIGS 13 began in 1955 with 19 members. The first chairman was Mrs. David Freytag. Between the years 1955-1961 they taste tested General Mills products and co-hosted the Charity Ball in 1956 with TWIGS 4, 7, 9 and 10. In the past they have had an Easter candy sale, a mink cape raffle, sold Christmas wrapping paper, and had an “old clothes” exchange. In 1957 they sold Christmas candles and ornaments. They were known as the “Candle Twig” for years because this was their major fundraising project. In 1963 they started having bake sales in the Armory. From 1965-1967 they also sold pecans.

The Ruth Lyons Christmas Fund came to Licking Memorial Hospital in 1971. The ladies delivered toys to the children on the day they were admitted. The toy cart was popular with all the children. They also had small toys in the surgery area. In addition to giving toys, the ladies provided birthday cakes, had special gifts for all the holidays and a special Christmas party. Unfortunately, they had to stop delivering toys in 1984 when the Ruth Lyons Christmas Fund no longer sent funds for toys. In 1971 Bob Braun, Rob Reider, Gwen Conley and Dave McCoy came to Licking Memorial for a visit and were a highlight for the TWIGS. Their current project is selling Christmas greenery.

TWIGS 14 began in 1958. The Tour of Homes is their main project. Their first tour was held in 1963 and began as a springtime tour conducted in May. The tour was held each spring for approximately 19 years until moving to December in 1982. The event was moved to November in 2004. Five to six homes are decorated for the holiday season to be enjoyed by the community.

Past projects have included: benefit teas, bowling tournaments and a children’s puppet show. TWIGS 14 participated in the All TWIGS Holiday Boutique selling “Christmas Brew” and frozen casseroles. Prior to the casseroles, homemade Christmas cookies were sold.

TWIGS 24 began in 1994 with a group of hospital employees. Their projects have included: Mistletoe Tea, selling hand-crafted items and pumpkins at Halloween. Their current projects include: book sales, jewelry sales and vending machines. In January of 2004, TWIGS 12 joined TWIGS 24, since most of their members are older and there were only seven members remaining.