KAPA‘A — People visiting Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital may not know them as volunteers because they are such an integral part of the hospital’s daily operations. But the hospital staff knows and on Friday took time out to honor its
KAPA‘A — People visiting Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital may not know them as volunteers because they are such an integral part of the hospital’s daily operations.
But the hospital staff knows and on Friday took time out to honor its many volunteers at a special appreciation luncheon as part of National Volunteer Week, which is celebrated April 19-25.
“We have people from the Mahelona Auxiliary, the Foundation, Board members, the RSVP program, and just family and volunteers who come out to help,” said Josie Pablo, the hospital’s Long Term Care recreational activities director. “Right now we probably have about 50 active people that come out to the hospital to help.”
National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation and honors and recognizes the individuals who have made a difference in communities and alerts others to the need for more voluntary community service to help solve the nation’s serious social problems, states an online source.
“With the cloud of financial downturn hanging over us and being asked to do more with less, you are the silver lining to that cloud,” said Karen Davis, acting administrator for Mahelona Hospital.
Davis said the hospital’s thrift shop helps families make their dollars go further, and helps the hospital procure needed supplies, clothing and other items that make the lives of its residents more pleasant.
Volunteers from the Mahelona Auxiliary run the shop on a daily basis.
“The thrift shop is not the only area you help in,” Davis said. “You have helped us bring programs to our residents, you come faithfully to help transport our residents to different activities both inside and outside the facility, and you even help in the office.”
Davis said the presence of volunteers even fooled her because when she started working at Mahelona, she thought one of the volunteers was an employee.
“Your presence here is a measure of accountability,” Davis said. “You act as our eyes and ears to the community. Wherever there are volunteers, there is great work being done.”
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
