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Home Methodist OB/GYNs Connected Precision Heart Attack Care Making Strides in Stroke Care Volunteers Making a Difference Calendar of Educational and Community Events Fall 2009 Building on Your Blessings  |
Gifts from the Heart  Frank Foster, Our 2009 Volunteer of the Year “Frank is a fantastic volunteer and a true gentleman.” – Daniel Wiseman, Volunteer Coordinator “When volunteers donate their time to the hospital,” says Daniel Wiseman, volunteer coordinator at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, “it frees up our clinical staff to better assist and concentrate on patients, allowing them to give the best care possible.” Frank Foster Named Our Volunteer of the Year As part of the 2009 National Volunteer Appreciation Week in April, Methodist Willowbrook Hospital honored more than 95 volunteers at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. “The luncheon is the hospital’s opportunity to thank volunteers for the fine work they do,” says Wiseman. “Our volunteers consistently contribute their time and energy to serve our patients and assist hospital staff. They do an excellent job!” Frank Foster, a hospital volunteer since February 2001, was the recipient of the 2009 Volunteer of the Year Award. The award was presented at the annual luncheon. Frank has contributed more than 2,500 hours to Methodist Willowbrook Hospital and most recently served at our Surgical and Birthing desk – meeting and greeting patients as they checked in. “Frank’s awesome sense of humor and amazing generosity has made him one of our most popular volunteers among patients and hospital staff alike,” Wiseman says. “He always arrives early, ready with his joke of the day and eager to serve.” Gift Shop Donates More Than $27,000 Gifts from the Heart could be described as the heart of the hospital. “We have lots of patient traffic in addition to meeting the needs of hospital visitors and staff members,” explains Bonnie Wegener, a coordinator for the gift shop. “Our spacious shop and large aisles make it easy for patients to maneuver, whether in wheelchairs or hooked up to medical devices. We’re here to provide a comforting place where patients, family and friends can get away from the hospital atmosphere – if only for a few moments – for a break, a smile, a laugh.” Wegener loves the days she spends at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “I enjoy working with our team of volunteers,” says Wegener. “Everyone gets along so well and forms strong friendships with each other as we serve the hospital community.” Wegener helps order the merchandise sold in the shop and keeps the shelves stocked with popular items. She also trains new volunteers on the cash register and about the merchandise, and maintains the volunteer work schedule. “Some of our volunteers are our best shoppers,” jokes Wegener. “New merchandise arrives weekly and they run to see what items are in the boxes.” All proceeds made in the gift shop go directly to meet the needs of the hospital. “In 2008, we donated over $27,000,” says Wegener. “The hospital used those funds to purchase valuable medical equipment, including a hydrothermal ablation unit for critical heart procedures and a GE Mac 55 EKG machine.” Join Us in Making a Difference If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a difference in other people’s lives while meeting new friends, we encourage you to join the Methodist Willowbrook Hospital team of volunteers. For more information on volunteering opportunities at Methodist Willowbrook Hospital, please contact Daniel Wiseman at 281-477-4777. |
