VOLUNTEERS
and doing things like warming blankets, delivering sandwiches
or bringing coffee to family members who are waiting.
“The goal is to give quality service to people who may feel
overwhelmed by an emergency situation. Patients feel safe to
talk to someone who cares,” says Pat Shannon, a retired attorney
who schedules volunteers and divides her time between
Martin Hospital South and Tradition Medical Center.
“Because the hospital is located near I-95, more trauma
cases from car accidents come in. If they’ve had an exceptionally
hard night, the doctor’s and nurse’s faces light up when
they see us. There is a lot of activity here especially in season
and there are multiple areas where we need to stock medical
supplies, gowns and bedding,” she adds.
Some volunteers are seasonal, so scheduling can be tricky.
Ideally, two people are needed for four shifts each day, 9 p.m.
to midnight being the hardest slot to fill.
Shannon trains and places volunteers where they feel most
comfortable working. A husband and wife do their part — he
drives the courtesy cart and she works in the emergency department.
The camaraderie of the group extends to monthly
get-together meals sponsored by the hospital.
“Overall, we are trying to enrich the hospital experience.
It’s very rewarding work,” Shannon says.
Devoting free time to a worthy cause is not only rewarding,
but frees up resources that can fund other activities within a
nonprofit or civic organization. There is enormous value in
the services that are provided by unpaid staffers.
SERVING WITH PRIDE
In the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the volunteers
outnumber the officers. The cost factor for donated services in >>
Police Department greeters Ann Gepfert and Phyllis Grant welcome those
who come to the reception desk and direct the flow of visitors.
Volunteer creativity knows no bounds. Grohocki decked out a doggie dorm to highlight the Kitty Bowl festivities at Dogs and Cats Forever during Super
Bowl weekend. The felines lounged in their temporary digs during the open house event.
Port St. Lucie Magazine 35