JACKSON — Lois Lawrence of Jackson was recently named Volunteer of the Year by officials at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood.
Each year, the medical center honors the volunteer who worked the greatest number of hours.
“Volunteers like Lois are an invaluable asset and are critical to the overall success of Kimball Medical Center,” said Donna Salin, director of the Volunteer Resource Center at Kimball Medical Center. “We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed group of volunteers here at Kimball.”
Lawrence began her volunteer work at Kimball Medical Center in 2006. She took on a morning schedule that required her to work six days each week from 6 to 10 a.m. In 2009 she worked 306 days.
She has been volunteering at the medical center for five years and said she has enjoyed every moment of her service.
“I find it gratifying that patients look forward to hearing or seeing me,” Lawrence said. “I definitely feel like I made a difference.”
Her work at the medical center involves meeting with the dietary clerks and planning the day’s menu. Lawrence also calls and visits patients to review the menu selections with them.
“I often visit patients, some of whom are new moms, and talk about the menu and what they can and cannot eat,” she said. “I try to brighten up their day and make their stay at Kimball more enjoyable.”
In addition to working in the dietary department, Lawrence organizes the sale of jewelry and pocketbooks to raise money for the medical center.
“Hospitals are generally short staffed, and volunteers provide a great service being in the hospital. It is a very rewarding experience,” she said. “Kimball is also a greatly needed hospital. It’s small, but it is home to the No. 1 emergency services in the state.”
Lawrence, who is retired from a career as a sales manager for a toy company, said, “As a salesperson, I received rewards, but the most rewarding thing is not the money. I appreciate the honor in receiving this award, but all of the volunteers do the same thing. All of the volunteers provide a great service.”
Individuals who may be interested in volunteering at Kimball Medical Center may call 732-886-4523 or send an email to [email protected] for more information.