Volunteers of all ages find rewarding work at hospital

It was her 90th birthday but on the subject of gifts, Madge Ward wanted to talk about the rewards of volunteering. The 10-year veteran volunteer celebrated with fellow Sonoma Valley Hospital Auxiliary members who gathered for a party in her honor. Over cake and punch at the hospital, Madge and her colleagues explained their passion for volunteering as a way of giving back to the hospital.

“I just feel I owe the hospital something,” Ward said. “I’ve been in the hospital three times, and everything was perfect each time.”

“Giving back to the community is very important,” agreed volunteer Norman Marsh. “Meeting a wonderful cross-section of people is one of the great things about working in a hospital. My coworkers are all great. We have a lot of life experience to bring to the table.”

Shirley Price, who works in accounting, said she likes to volunteer because it gets her out of the house. Sandra Patterson, an escort, said she likes it because she loves the exercise. Marie Martini also keeps in shape by volunteering. “I’ve been a volunteer for about 23 years,” she said. “I have 13,000 hours. I enjoy the exercise – and helping people.”

Chief Operations Officer Mary Kelly summed up the benefits and made a subtle appeal. “You get the pleasure of working with a wonderful hospital staff and really wonderful patients. They perform a special, honorable and needed service here at the hospital, and we need more of them.” The auxiliary is now looking for more volunteers.

To find out more about the auxiliary and how to be part of the experience, visit Sonoma Valley Hospital’s Web site at svh.com and follow the link from “Community Giving” to “Volunteer.”