Part I:
April is national volunteer month and there arent many local organizations that appreciate their volunteers more than Wooster Community Hospital.
With over 300 volunteers providing approximately 30,000 volunteer hours per year, Carla Redick, WCH volunteer services coordinator has her hands full. Redick noted that with a range of ages from 14-96, WCH uses volunteers in most departments. As a 15-year veteran in her position, her confidence in the volunteers is evident in the fact that the altruistic group often provides the first impression of the hospital as they greet visitors upon entering the main doors.
Although the hospital benefits greatly from the time and talents of those who selflessly fulfill a range of assignments, the volunteers also personally profit from their commitment. Its a two-way street. Dedicating time as a volunteer can help you make new friends, learn new skills, expand your network, build your resume, and even make you healthier and happier. Studies have shown that the act of helping others improves physical fitness, mental attitude and emotional well-being.
The community is mostly unaware of the significant impact of the dedicated Auxiliary at WCH, so national volunteer month is a perfect time to raise your awareness about how friends and neighbors are making a difference. Take a look inside where three individuals share their experiences.
Part II:
Compassion, patience, empathy, respect – these are some of the qualities seen in the individuals who take time out of the routine and demands of their own lives to volunteer at Wooster Community Hospital.
They are young, old, male, female, retired and working full-time. They may be your cousin, your hairdresser or your bridge partner, and they are all providing a valuable service to our community.
The Auxiliary of WCH has been in existence since 1951 and exists soley to promote the welfare of the hospital and its clients. The duties of the organization fall into two categories: Volunteering and Fundraising/Service Projects. Examples of positions include: gift shop clerks, cafe workers, information desk workers, registration desk workers, escorts, pet pals, sewing ladies, messengers, medical alert workers, garden workers, and prayer partners.
Jerry VanGorter has been volunteering for about five years and said, I enjoy helping others and giving back. It also gets me out of the house. He cited the valet parking as and example of a resource supported by the Auxiliary calling it a very needed service, sharing that most hospitals charge for valet parking. The Auxiliary raises money for the vehicle and gas and then contracts with a valet service which provides the drivers. VanGorter said, as volunteers, we are often the first face people see and we set the tone for visitors. Being good natured and happy rubs off on others who may be in the hospital under unpleasant circumstances.
Current Auxilliary President, Mary Lou Campbell, explained why she enjoys volunteering at the hospital, When I stopped working I wanted to do something in the community and the people are great. The hospital interests me and its a pleasant place to be. Campbell said the Auxiliary benefits the hospital by having volunteers that have the time to greet people and make them feel comfortable.
Campbell listed a number of the fundraising and service projects including flower sales, Trees of Love, Mitten Tree, and Book Sale. In addition they fund approximately 100 mammograms for those who cant afford it, which is traditionally supported by the annual golf outing and will take place this year on June 13 at Mohican Hills Golf Course.
Elizabeth McDaniel has been a hospital volunteer for about 12 years and is the immediate past president of the Auxiliary. McDaniel said she likes to volunteer because, I like the atmosphere. I like the people. And, everyone needs a helping hand now and then.
Adding to Campbells list of fundraising efforts, McDaniel explained that the auxiliary runs the gift shop and café, and skilled volunteers install, test and service the Medic Alert systems. There are currently over 500 units placed throughout Wayne County. The cost of the units is only $20 per month and gives customers 24/7 access to a hospital operator in an emergency and helps to raise funds for the Auxiliary.
Some recently funded projects include the purchase of wheelchairs and furniture for the MRI waiting room, in addition to offering scholarships for Wayne County high school seniors planning to major in the health care field.
Assisting others can provide deep satisfaction. The feeling can be hard to describe, but when these Auxiliary members bring a smile to someones face or hear thank you, they know theyve done their job.
