LAPLACE – In recognition of National Volunteer Week, River Parishes Hospital held a luncheon for its volunteers in the River Parishes Hospital Medical Pavilion Conference Room. Twenty volunteers were recognized and awarded for the hours they contributed in 2012, and two volunteers who began in 2013 were welcomed and introduced to the group.
Tammy Waltz, community relations coordinator, welcomed all attendees to the luncheon and thanked the volunteers for their continued service to the hospital and community.
“You all come here out of the goodness of your hearts because you want to help others in their time of need,” said Waltz. “Over the years, I’ve asked a number of you why you choose to volunteer here, and I always receive the same answer, ‘You get as much if not more out of volunteering as the people you serve.’” She continued, “I want to make sure you all know how much you are appreciated at River Parishes Hospital.”
Waltz then recognized and awarded each volunteer with a certificate signifying the number of hours he or she donated in 2012 and awarded a service bar to those celebrating a milestone in their total number of hours. In 2012, the River Parishes Hospital volunteers donated a total of 5,352 hours of service, which is equivalent to three full-time employees. Jean Haas, the gift shop manager and auxiliary president, donated the most hours to date, having more than 15,000 total hours. Haas is the only volunteer who has been with the hospital since it opened in 1982.
Following her is Ruby Anders, who volunteers in the gift shop, with a total of 8,300 hours and Olean Clay, who also volunteers in the gift shop, with a total of 6,900 hours. Charlotte Guidry, a volunteer in materials management and in the Occupational Medicine Center, is credited with volunteering the most hours in 2012 with a total of 924 hours.
Robert L. Marshall, chief executive officer at River Parishes Hospital, stressed to the volunteers that they play such an important role in assisting our staff to provide excellent service to the customers.
“I want to say thank you for all that you do,” said Marshall.