Situated in the midst of the Great Smoky Mountains is the WestCare Medical Park of Sylva comprised of Harris Regional Hospital.

Different spectrums of WestCare Health System have been bonding together to raise funds for a child care center for Jackson County.

A center like that has impact on a community as a new employer offering extended hours as well as being available to the public,  WestCare Chief Nurse Executive, Sheila Price said.

The child care center has been an on-going project for over 20 years, and in the fall of 2009 WestCare Health System plans to see the fruits of its labor open and ready for business.

The Harris Regional Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store funded the entire property for the child care center.

The thrift store brings in $90,000 to $120,000 a year and it all goes to the hospital,  Price said. One year the thrift store even bought an ambulance. 

Volunteers have a real commitment to the hospital, according to Carol Douglas who oversees the thrift store.

We love what we do and we know we make a difference,  Douglas said.

Developments for the child care center have also been supported by the only Starbucks in Sylva, amply named Dr. Java  and located in the lobby of the Harris Regional Hospital.

All the proceeds, including the barista's tips at times, have directly gone to the child care center.

Working together to make a difference is how WestCare Health System is building a future for Jackson County's community one coffee and donation at a time.