'We try to make people feel better'

Cris Valentine with Jelly Watches and costume jewelry at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center gift shop. (photo Jim Jones)

Just inside the front entrance of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is the gift shop, operated by Crowder Brothers Ace Hardware Gifts and Gadgets.

It's not every hardware store that could pull off operating a hospital gift shop, but it's not every hardware store that carries fudge, designer handbags and more, either.

Cris Valentine was behind the counter this week, admid all the bling, glitter and fun stuff.

"We try to make people feel better," she said. "To make their minds off things."

Among their most popular sales items are Jelly Watches, selling for $14.99.