As most of you know, I am volunteering at a local hospital. This is the third week for me, and I have found it to be very enlightening. Originally, I said that I would get back to you and report on the experience. So here goes.........
When I started I was paired up with "Gary". Gary is president of the volunteer's association. I asked him today how long had he been doing this, and he only said " a long long time". He is the go to person for anything you need to know. Now being the type of person I am, I continually quiz him on anything and everything I think is important to me and how I do this job. I am sort of anal about that type of thing. I want to do it right the first time, and I believe that experience in doing, is the best teacher. What I learned today is unbelievable and totally amazing to me.
The volunteer association of the Via Christi system worked and raised a quarter of a million dollars last year. That money is distributed to various areas that Via Christ supports. Such as:
*The Sister Mother MaryAnne Clinic: supported lactation education for indigent mothers and their children.
* Koch Arena: helped buy equipment needed for the sports medicine clinic located at the arena. Interns of the system work and learn in that clinic.
* Gave $1,000.00 scholarships to worthy Teen Volunteers for further education in any in state university or college.
*Gave monetary grants to: Our Lady of Lourdes Rehabilitation Center and to the Good Shepherd Campus (drug & rehab center).
That is just to mention a few recipients. I was amazed. I had no idea what the volunteers did other than their usual duties. These volunteers are our senior citizens and our teens. They are totally dedicated to their association and the accomplishments of the association.
I asked Gary how was the money raised, and he said: they have T-towel sales, the two hospital's gift and flower shops; all of the vending machines; jewelry sales and bake sales.
The volunteers of the Via Christi system are more than just a room number, letter delivery, wheelchair pushing or delivering those beautiful flowers. I have a new respect for them and what they are about, and feel privileged to have been allowed into that circle. It is not only the seniors of our community, it also the teens. Together they are making the hospital stays of the client better and less stressful, and working to give back to the hospital in areas that are in need.
So when you buy a gift or flowers from one of the shops, or support a bake sale, or buy a t-towel, etc. You are supporting the work of the volunteer and all the good they do and continue to do.
