Honoring volunteers, part 2

Last week was National Volunteer Week, a time to pay tribute to the many volunteers in our society and to give them appreciation for the many things that they do. As we look around we find a great many volunteers performing all kinds of tasks. The volunteers add greatly to make our community and our country better.

Last week some of the ways volunteers are contributing was presented and a tribute was given to the volunteers. As discussed there could be continuous columns about the volunteers, both as groups and as individuals. Perhaps a banner in front of the Nevada Regional Medical Center said it well for all organizations that has volunteers "We Love Our Volunteers." A red heart was used for the word love. This sign showed their appreciation for the volunteers at the hospital. There are a large number of volunteers at the hospital who contribute to making the hospital a better place for the people it serves.

Recently I visited with Sara Lawhorne, coordinator of guest services, about the volunteers. She named a number of ways that volunteers are serving the hospital. There are volunteers in schools that help.

The hospice program is a great program and one that is needed in that period of life. There are hospice volunteers. That would have to take a certain type of individual that would serve in this type of capacity and a great service.

The Revs. Kim Osborn and Ralph Clark are taking the lead in developing a NRMC Chaplaincy Department. It is good to hear that clergy in the community will once again be involved in a chaplaincy program there is a great need for this program.

Meals on Wheels Program delivers hot meals, regular or special diet to the elderly, house-bound, sick and or disabled five days a week, Monday through Friday -- including holidays if they fall on this day. Approximate 20 meals are delivered by dedicated volunteers no matter what the weather condition.

Volunteers serve on the foundation board and on the hospital board. They serve at the Barone Alzheimers Care Center. When we think of volunteers at the hospital, the first thing we think about is the NRMC Auxiliary. There are a total of 59 members. The tasks they perform include staffing the information desk, surgical waiting area, gift shop and provide clerical support and wheelchair transportation.

Starting the end of this month there will be junior volunteers serving for the summer. At the Moore-Few Care Center there are more than 60 volunteers, helping with activities, doing one-on-one visits and being readers. They bake for monthly birthday parties. There are several weekend volunteers.

According to Carol Branham, Nevada Parks and Recreation director, over 500 volunteers annually are used with programs and special events by the City of Nevada. She said, "Volunteers are a key resource for many local governments, in such diverse activities as parks and recreation, education, youth and senior services, firefighting, emergency rescue, and law enforcement."

"Whatever the time commitment of any volunteer, it is our responsibility to make effective use of the volunteer resources and consistent adherence to applicable policies and procedures.

"When volunteers join the team, they have chosen to make a difference. Volunteers impact local government. Volunteers affect many parts of community life. By taking time to participate in our boards and commissions, programs, and services, volunteers influence the future of Nevada. In assisting staff with daily tasks, special events and new programs, volunteers enhance the level and types of quality service the city of Nevada provides."

Sylvia Ackley, coordinator, and Wanda Shrimplin, one of the dedicated volunteers, prepared the following statement about the Vernon County Center volunteers: "The volunteers for the senior center make the difference in many ways. The Home Delivered Meals are made by many volunteers. We have the city routes and the county routes. This takes different drivers each day of the week except on Saturday and Sunday. The meals are delivered hot each day with a sack meal for supper. On Fridays there are frozen meals for the week-end days. Our drivers are courteous and pleasant.

"Each day of the week there are volunteers at the front desk at the center. They work in pairs. They assist the people that call in and the ones that eat their lunch each day at the center. Each participating senior is given a meal ticket that is dated for that date and the volunteers are the ones who pass these tickets out. . . .

"Volunteers are the cogs in the wheel that makes the Center run on a friendly basis. We couldn't do without them."

All volunteers in the area deserve a special tribute and a big thank you.