Mercy volunteers inspire, teach, model and enhance the Mercy experience for patients, residents and staff. Volunteers live the Mercy mission. Some Mercy volunteers gathered are from left seated: Ernie Berger, Anne Connolly, Peggy Copeland, Rosie Pope, Ann Young; standing: Jim Connolly, Buddy Gilbert, Rosemary Stovall, Carter Bryars, John Ward, and Judy Hazelton, manager of volunteer services.

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, Mercy Medical has made a donation in honor of each of its volunteers to Guardian Angel, the fundraising program for Mercy’s pediatric home care. In lieu of Mercy’s traditional volunteer breakfast and small tokens of appreciation, Judy Hazelton, manager of volunteer services, and Sister Marilyn Graf, RSM, vice president mission integration, wanted to do something more meaningful, that would further impact the community, as their volunteers do.

“Traditionally, Mercy invites its volunteers to a breakfast. It is sometimes difficult for the whole volunteer staff to attend. Everyone is busy and gathering 100 or more volunteers at one time is not easy,” said Hazelton. “Most of our volunteers have been with us for years and I know they don’t expect anything in return. More importantly, I know why most volunteers do what they do - the rewards of volunteerism are priceless and it is their contribution to society.”

Whether it is visiting a hospice patient, entertaining Mercy residents, or providing much needed administrative functions, Mercy volunteers are giving, unconditional and extremely generous.

“When we thought of how inspirational our volunteers are, we were challenged to find a gesture that emulates what they do and is as rewarding as their volunteerism. This year, Mercy met this challenge by donating in each volunteer’s honor to a greatly needed and very worthy program - Guardian Angel,” explained Hazelton.

Over 600 children and their families have been served through Mercy’s pediatric home care. Because of Guardian Angel, children receive high-quality medical care in their homes regardless of their insurance coverage. Experiencing a critically ill child is tremendously stressful without the financial worries.

“I believe the volunteers will be elated with this year’s recognition and will appreciate the impact it will have in our community,” explained Hazelton.

Mercy volunteers play a vital role in the care of the community. Whether assisting in rehabilitation, long-term care, assisted living, hospice, or helping with fundraising through events and programs, there’s a place to serve at Mercy Medical. Mercy volunteers are from many walks-of-life including homemakers, students, lawyers, college professors, teachers, nurses, physicians, engineers, and others. Someone new to the area or someone who has had a lifestyle change, make ideal volunteers. Other volunteer candidates include high school students in Key Clubs or college students studying nursing, occupational, speech or recreational therapies, or similar rehabilitation fieldwork who need volunteer hours. Volunteers work a minimum of two to four volunteer hours per week.

Today, Mercy has more than 150 volunteers providing more than 700 hours of service each month. For more information about volunteering at Mercy Medical call Judy Hazelton at 621-4445 or email volunteer@mercymedical.com.