“You make a tremendous difference in the quality of service provided to all of our customers through your hands-on involvement in patient services,” said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis. “The fundraising that you do is critical. It’s through your efforts, that the hospital is able to offer the latest advances in healthcare technology to local residents.”

In 2004, some 28 volunteers earned pins for more than 1,000 hours donated during their years of service. “This is a remarkable accomplishment,” said Xinis.

Together, this small group of dedicated individuals has given 87,500 hours valued at $1.7 million.

Ruth Showalter tops the list with 8,200 hours. She is joined by Myrtle Rausch, 6,500 hours; Nancy Mellem, 5,500 hours; Alice Bateman, 5,000 hours; Eleanor Lyba, 4,700 hours; Francis Miller, 4,500 hours; Donna King, 4,400 hours; Nell Bowen, 4,200 hours; Janet Allyn and Winola Moore, 4,100 hours; Cheryl McAllister, 3,700 hours; Irene Norris, 3,400 hours; Romaine Mayberry, 3,200 hours; Marie Barrett and Norma Madella, 2,900 hours; Mille Kluckman, 2,700 hours; Ruth Buck, 2,000 hours; Rita Adams and Mamie Fowler, 1,700 hours; Tim Hale and Bill Kugel, 1,600 hours; Jessie Jo Bowen and Lois Munden, 1,500 hours; Karen Kellum, 1,400 hours; Mary Anne Schercinger, 1,200 hours and Betty Burley, Laura Marchand and Patricia McGovern, 1,100 hours.

Today, the all-volunteer organization supports many areas including the Gift Shop, Same Day Surgery, the Information Desk and the Patient Shuttle. Here is just a sample of the wonderful compliments received from the CMH staff about their volunteers.

“We have six volunteers in Same Day Surgery,” said Patty Valencis. “They make our lives so much easier. They are our shining stars.”

“Sandra (Talbot) and Evelyn (Turner),” said Kasia Sweeney, “always pitch in wherever they’re needed. They’re versatile and reliable.” Ellie Mowbray and Kathy Clark also help in the Public Relations and Community Wellness departments.

“Kathy is indispensable to me … helping with clerical and administrative tasks,” said Sweeney, “and Ellie always has the publicity binder up to date.” Gail Harkins praised Nell Bowen’s help with the parenting newsletter. “She completely oversees this project,” said Harkins, “we literally could not do it without her.”

The Family Birth Center sent kudos to Mary Anne Schercinger. “She is always positive and upbeat,” said Holly Dooley. “She is a beautiful ray of sunshine in our unit.” Sweeney also praised the front desk volunteers and patient shuttle drivers. “We’ve really asked a lot of them this year … especially with the new computer training,” she said. “Nothing deters them. They’re always here … even in miserable weather and they’re always pleasant.”

Chaplain Alice Thompson is assisted by 35 local clergy who volunteer their time on a regular basis to provide spiritual care to patients at CMH. “They constitute essential pieces of the fabric,” she said, “which make Calvert Memorial a healing community of wholeness.”

Students interested in learning more about health care can also volunteer. To participate, they must 16 or older, complete an orientation program and commit to four hours per week. For more information or to join, call the CMH auxiliary at 410-535-8373.