Our volunteers work in an array of areas and departments, including Medical Records, Human Resources, surgical waiting areas, information desk and gift shop. There is even a position for those who believe that variety is the spice of life: floaters, who work in whichever department needs them that day.

The benefits for the institution are great. To cite one example, proceeds from the volunteer-run gift shop provided $55,000 to purchase equipment for the new women’s center at TGMC.

Interestingly, the benefits seem to work both ways. Studies show that volunteering can reduce depression, and it may even help ease symptoms in people who suffer from chronic pain. Our volunteers agree that their work gives them a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For their steady devotion and many contributions, TGMC salutes Mary Meilan, Greg Champagne and Gloria Rhodes as our Volunteers of the Year!

Mary Meilan started volunteering at TGMC in 1987, after a career with the U.S. Postal Service. “I was just looking for something extra to do,” she says. “A neighbor of mine volunteered at the hospital, and she kept after me to join her. Finally, I tried it and really enjoyed it. That was more than 15 years ago, and I still enjoy it.”

She has worked as a floater and at the information desk. Today, she files and answers phones in the Human Resources department. “I like the people I work with, and I like talking with people from the community who come in for help,” Meilan says.

Greg Champagne began volunteering at TGMC about three years ago, after he retired from his job as a shipyard worker.
Today, he devotes about 600 hours a year to the medical center, by discharging patients and running errands.

“I was looking to do something to help people, and I saw an article in the newspaper that the hospital needed volunteers,” he says. “Right after I read that article, my sister called and said maybe I could do some volunteer work. So I called the hospital, and they told me to come on down.

“I like being around the hospital staff, and any way I can help is fulfilling for me,” he says. “I just like helping people out.”

Gloria Rhodes has been greeting shoppers in TGMC’s gift shop since 1987. A retired accountant, she started volunteering because, she says, “I felt like I needed to be of some use in the community and do something constructive.”

Gloria chose the gift shop partly because, with her background, she can handle much of the business paperwork involved. It has also given her a chance to exercise her skills as a buyer and marketer. But more important was the chance to be out in the public and active. “This is a wonderful opportunity to meet a lot of people,” she says. “It’s very rewarding. I really enjoy what I do. I’m going to keep doing it as long as I can.”

To all our volunteers, from everyone at TGMC ... THANK YOU!

TGMC needs you
Would you like to be a TGMC volunteer? No special skills or experience is necessary, and you may choose from among many different volunteer opportunities in various hospital departments. For more information, call (985) 873-4618.

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