Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center recently honored its volunteers as part of festivities associated with National Volunteer Week. Volunteers were presented with pins commemorating the number of career hours they have volunteered at the hospital and officers for 2009-2010 were installed during a brunch held in their honor.

The current 21 volunteers have provided over 28,500 hours of time at the hospital during their volunteer careers. "There is no way we can measure the value of the contribution the volunteers make to our facility," stated Patty Bratcher, Co-Director of Volunteer Services. "They create a friendly environment and brighten the day for our patients, visitors and employees."

Bill Oldham, Co-Director of Volunteer Services and Director of Marketing, gives a recent example of the service volunteers provide to employees. "Because of our tight financial situation, it would not have been appropriate for the hospital to have spent money to hold an Easter egg hunt for the children and grandchildren of employees. The volunteers stepped up and sponsored the annual event. It may not have been a major contribution, but it made a positive difference to many of our employees and their children."

The volunteers have purchased many items for the hospital in the past including recliners for chemotherapy patients, pulse oximeters, and a magazine rack for the new CCU waiting area. The volunteers also provide valuable support for the Relay for Life team at TLRMC. Funds are raised through bake sales, used book sales and other events.

At the recognition ceremonies, Bratcher installed the following officers for the next year: Laree Van Meter, president; Willa Large, first vice-president; Betty Workman, second vice president; Betty Miller, treasurer; Elsie Sapp, secretary; and Mary Louise Lasley, devotional leader.

The rest of the current TLRMC volunteers are Fran Abel, Joan Alexander, Ester Gift, Gene Gift, Dovie Grubbs, Jean Hibbard, John Huff, Shirley Martin, Charlotte Owens, Don Owens, Mildred Rogalinski, Betty Taylor, Nedra Thomas, Guy Van Meter and Margaret Welling.