UTMC volunteers to be recognized during National Volunteer Week

April 18, 2012 | Features, UToday

By Nicolette Jett

Volunteers, from left, James Lukalo, Luberta Trammell, Sue LaPlant, Linda Murphy and Ahmed AlKhudhair, make a difference by working in the International Welcome Center, Emergency Room and the Ruppert Health Center.

Volunteers at The University of Toledo Medical Center are a diverse group ranging from college students with career goals in the health sciences to retirees looking to give back to the community.

Each year during National Volunteer Week, the medical center recognizes these dedicated people who give their time to help others.

“Volunteers do a splendid job of providing a welcoming presence when people walk into UTMC,” said Lynette Hearst, support service specialist for Volunteer Services. “Every volunteer walks through the UTMC doors with an inspiring smile on his or her face and leaves with a sense of fulfillment.”

The 2012 National Volunteer Week is April 15-21. Volunteers at UT Medical Center will be recognized with a luncheon Wednesday, April 18.

Eleanor Malkuian is a volunteer who helps in the Four Seasons Bistro.

UTMC volunteers give their time as ambassadors in the International Welcome Center, Emergency Room and Ruppert Health Center. Volunteers also assist in the gift shop, Heart and Vascular Center, surgery waiting room, clerical offices and Pastoral Care, to mention a few. Satellites Auxiliary volunteers organize sales of books, plants and food to benefit UTMC patient programs and scholarships.

“Volunteering at UTMC is different than what I anticipated, and different in a good way. I leave every day with a sense of accomplishment and a rewarding feeling,” said Zack Dooley, UT sophomore majoring in pre-med biology. “Not every place can create such wonderful feelings for both the patrons of UTMC and those of us who serve.”

UTMC volunteers like Dooley donated a total of nearly 50,000 hours of their time in 2011.

“We are all in this together — one team, one family, one mission to fulfill,” Hearst said. “Our mission could not be complete without the hard work put in every day by each volunteer. I am honored to be working with such a wonderful group of individuals.”

Those interested in volunteering at UT Medical Center should contact Hearst at 419.383.3835 or lynette.hearst@utoledo.edu.

For more information on Volunteer Services, visit utmc.utoledo.edu/depts/volunteer.