Non-profit hospital celebrates National Volunteer Week by honoring dedication of volunteers

REDLANDS, CA. - Redlands Community Hospital hosted a reception on April 13 to celebrate its volunteers during National Volunteer Week. The special event honored the many volunteers who give their time and talent in support of the hospital and community.

“Redlands Community Hospital celebrates the commitment and service of these volunteers,” said Cherie Towers, Director of Volunteer Services at Redlands Community Hospital. “Their willingness to support the hospital’s patients, visitors, staff and physicians brings tremendous value to their experience.

Several awards were presented at the event including “Rookie of the Year”. This award is presented to a newer volunteer to recognize their achievements since joining the program. This year, two awards were presented, one to Mary Miller, the other to a student volunteer Nasser Khateeb. Miller, supports a number of services at the hospital including, Surgery Waiting, Hospice, monthly blood drives, and previously the hospital’s Community Clinics. She is passionate about her work and has donated in excess of 500 hours. Khateeb, the first student recipient of the award, supports the Auxiliary’s Gift Shop. Additionally, he mentors other students building skills they may one day use after graduation. He one day aspires to be a doctor.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Diane Brown and Nancy Griesemer. Brown, who has volunteered at the hospital for 10 years, has contributed more than 4,600 hours. She has served at in Maternal Child Services and is the Past President of the RCH Auxiliary Board. Currently, she serves in the Volunteer Office and the Surgery Waiting area. Griesemer, who has volunteered at the hospital for more than 15 years, has contributed 4,100 hours. She currently volunteers in the Gift Shop, and previously served in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), on the Nominating Committee for Auxiliary Board and supports the RCH Foundation Golf Classic.

The President’s Volunteer Service Award was created to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. It is also the only Presidential award that is available to the general public without having to be nominated or judged on criteria. It is an award that allows citizens to be honored and recognized for service that is important to them. To date, Redlands Community Hospital has recognized more than 50 volunteers for achieving this lifetime award, adult volunteers attaining 4,000 hours of service or high school students reaching 250 hours of service.

Additionally, each year the hospital recognizes volunteers for years-of-service and hours contributions. Annually, volunteers have an opportunity to be recognized through the Mary Kimberly-Shirk Award for Volunteer Excellence, identifying a single volunteer who illustrates the same attributes of care and concern for community health as did Mrs. Shirk.

“Every year we applaud the volunteers’ efforts during National Volunteer Week to acknowledge their service for others,” said Tom Niblack, Auxiliary President. “Through their kindness and care, they truly make a difference in the lives they touch.”

Redlands Community Hospital is supported by 300 volunteers from high school students to retirees, many who travel a great distance to give their time.

For more information about the volunteering services at Redlands Community Hospital, please visit www.redlandshospital.org or call (909) 335-5500.