Hospital recognizes its 2011 volunteers
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 12, 2012 1:46 PM
Volunteers are exceptional people with extraordinary hearts.
The national theme for volunteerism seemed appropriate for those serving throughout the year at Wayne Memorial Hospital, said Donna Archer, director of volunteer services there.
The department applauded the contributions made by volunteers over the past year at the annual recognition luncheon Wednesday at Lane Tree Golf Club. During 2011, volunteer hours totaled 14,500, Mrs. Archer said.
"There's always something that jumps out to us, deserving recognition," she said. In addition to the usual top awards, the pool of volunteers included several whose hours "jumped to 400-plus" for 2011. Helen Jackson, Sandra Ingram, Vivian Dail and Alice Farmer were all recognized for dedicated service.
Three others reached "huge milestones," having served for more than 25 years as a hospital volunteer, Mrs. Archer said. Each was presented with a clock and flowers.
Jill Booker cumulatively logged 7,000 hours. Flo Tanner, with 21,600 hours -- an average of 865 hours a year -- recently announced she will be retiring from service this year.
Meanwhile, Edna Watson, who began volunteering 30 years ago and turns 90 this year, shows no sign of slowing down, Mrs. Archer said.
"When I pulled her volunteer file, it was pretty thick. It has lots of compliments in it," Mrs. Archer said.
The special recognition award, given to a new volunteer who made an especially notable contribution of time and service, went to Peg Cary, who started at the hospital in Oct. 2010. She has primarily served at the second floor nursing unit, pitching in wherever she was needed, Mrs. Archer said.
"They have raved and raved and raved about Miss Peg and what she has added to their unit," she said.
The Rosa Christian Koch Award, presented to the volunteer who exemplifies service excellence, went to Carolyn Compton.
"She started in the summer of 2002 at the information desk, and has accumulated 2,300 hours," Mrs. Archer said. "She always had that smile right there on her face with a willing and can-do attitude. If you don't see Miss Carolyn Wednesday mornings on the information desk, you know something is wrong."
Mary Bannon was named Volunteer of the Year. She received a clock and a pin and will have her name added to the annual list of recipients in the volunteer office.
During the 13 years she has been at the hospital, she has worked in many areas, Mrs. Archer noted, from radiology and pharmacy to surgery, admitting and the gift shop.