Published: April 30, 2008 09:28 am            

Hospital volunteers honored at banquet

By Brad Hicks / Staff Writer

As June Gabbard exited the Crystal Garden Dining Room at the Baptist Regional Medical Center, she took a moment to reflect on her time spent as a volunteer at the hospital before she enters retirement.

“I enjoyed it,” she said. “This makes me want to come back.”

Tuesday, BRMC held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet. Around 30 volunteers were on hand to receive certificates for their work with the hospital.

The event is always held during Volunteer Appreciation Week. Director of Volunteers Debbie Hardin said it is the perfect time to recognize these volunteers for their dedication and show appreciation for their efforts.

“We have a banquet at the hospital in their recognition,” she said. “We just take this time to honor our volunteers.”

Aside from adult volunteers, there are also teen volunteers.

“This is a good opportunity for them to see if they want to go into the health care profession,” Hardin said.

Volunteers, aside from speaking with patients and their families, also sew cough pillows for patients who have just undergone surgery, get car seats for mothers who may not be able to afford them, put together memory boxes and assist with the various fundraisers the hospital holds throughout the year.

Hospital officials were quick to recognize how important volunteers are to overall patient care.

“This hospital wouldn’t work nearly as well without your efforts,” said team leader Jim Lyons. “I think we have a wonderful hospital here, but it’s wonderful because of the people working here. It’s easy to forget those people that come through that door are scared to death. There’s no way on earth of telling what encouraging words and a smiling face may mean to that person.”

Brenda Ketron has volunteered the past two years.

“I work for the patients and their families,” she said.

Ketron said volunteer work is something she feels she was called to do.

“It’s something that God has led me to do and I love helping people,” she said.

Volunteer Brenda Lewis said it is rewarding to know that she is available for the patients and their families.

“I think it gives people comfort to know someone’s there, just to be there and help,” she said.

Gabbard, who had been a volunteer for the last 10 years, said she has been in a situation in her life where she has needed someone to turn to and loved the chance to be that person for someone else.

“I know what it’s like to need a volunteer,” she said. “A volunteer just saying ‘hello’ helps.”

The 2007 adult volunteers were: Karen Adams, Hazel Blankenship, Sherry Croley, Gail Haggard, Bessie Jewell, Brenda Ketron, Teri Mountjoy, Mary Penninton, Tiffany Sharpe, Gloria Traub, Joan Black, Anna Pearl Brasel, June Gabbard, Rosemary Hutchinson, Elene Jones, Laurel Killion, Ruby Nance, Robin Prewitt, Kathleen Siler, Barbara Westerfield, Janelle Blackwood, Donna Colegrove, Kathy Garrison, Deloris Jackson, Wanda Keener, Brenda Lewis, Joyce Parker, Mattie Puckett, Becky Stewart and Darlene Young.

The 2007 teen volunteers were: Ali Chaudry, Jordan Jones, Cayla Osborne, Danielle Perry, Shania Epperson, Rachel Massengill, Julie Parent, Emilee Waldschmidt, Danielle Hardin, Keihonna Moore, Jordan Parrott and Katie Williamson.

        

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