Be an Angel, Volunteer!

The Sunshine Volunteers at Evergreen Medical Center were honored with a luncheon at The Black Angus Restaurant on April 26, 2005 in recognition of Volunteer Appreciation Week. Seated L to R: Betty Carrier, Eddie Persons, Camilla Boykin Back L to R: Bill McKenzie, Chairman of the Board, Gilliard Health Services; Ara Powell; Cleo Williams; Magdalene January; Dot Smith; Annette Dawson; Becky Ellis; Jean Durant; Sue Sims; Lottie Johnston; Marie Stallworth. Not Pictured: Lettie Hurd, Malinda Baxter.

They come from all walks of life. Jean Durant spent her life working for The Department of Human Resources as a Social Worker. Cleo Williams spent her life as a school teacher. Annette Dawson worked with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Despite differences in their backgrounds, all 15 Sunshine Volunteers at EMC have one thing in common. They desire to help others. In a sense, these volunteers belong to a select few who are the “angels” of Evergreen Medical Center.

The volunteers perform different tasks aimed at meeting the patients’ needs that are not healthcare related, such as escorting people to where they need to go, assisting family members in Registration, and making morning rounds with patients to make sure they and their families have everything they need.

Not only do the Sunshine Volunteers help visitors and patients, they also belong to the volunteer organization that raises funds for the hospital throughout the year. Wherever there is a need, they are always willing to help. “We raise money by hosting jewelry sales and bath & beauty sales throughout the year. We use the money to buy items the hospital needs,” said Jean Durant, President of the volunteers. “Donations in the past have been used to refurbish the existing chapel and purchase furniture for the main lobby. Last year we helped purchase a new stretcher for the Surgery Department and paid for the publication of a booklet about Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) that was developed by EMC’s Education Department for our patients who suffer from CHF.”

There are added benefits. For example, the hospital observed Volunteer Appreciation Week during April, which was highlighted with a banquet honoring the volunteers. Each volunteer received a special angel pin to remind them that they are angels to EMC.

“It is a great opportunity to share your time and to help others,” Annette said. “Volunteering is good for me too. I enjoy getting out and meeting new people. You also get to visit with friends you don’t get to see very often.”

Evergreen Medical Center is in need of more volunteers, both men and women. Jean, Cleo, and Annette, along with all of the Sunshine Volunteers encourage anyone interested to sign up. The minimum requirement to be an active volunteer is 4 hours a month. Anyone interested in this rewarding endeavor is invited to come and fill out an application. The applications are kept at the reception desk in the main lobby. The only job requirements are a friendly face and a friendly smile!