St. John’s Celebrates Its Volunteers
For over 125 years St. John’s has flourished with the help of devoted volunteers. Each year during National Volunteer Week, St. John’s hosts a luncheon to show our gratitude to the volunteers who enrich the lives of residents and employees at St. John’s Home.
“Each April we enjoy honoring volunteers with thanks by way of an appreciation luncheon for their generosity throughout the year,” says St. John’s Home Volunteer Coordinator Sandy Ferguson. “Volunteers truly are a gift to all of us.”
“Our devoted team of volunteers richly enhance the quality of life of our St. John’s Home residents, families, and staff through their expressions of kindness, generosity, patience, and commitment,” says St. John’s Foundation Volunteer Services Coordinator Holly Powell.
“As they go the extra mile to bring smiles and joy, this joy comes back to them in the meaningful relationships formed and the knowledge that they are truly making a positive difference in our St. John’s community.”
Gail Daitz, a St. John’s Dementia Caregiver Respite Program Volunteer attended this year’s luncheon and she says that volunteering at St. John’s is the “highlight” of her week.
“I just look forward to seeing their smiling faces — it is a tremendous reward,” says Daitz. She encourages anyone who is able to “try it (volunteering) for just one day and they will love it.”
“Today, nearly 100 volunteers provide more than 4,500 of service to St. John’s each year,” says St. John’s Foundation Executive Director Anne McKenna. “That is a value of $150,000, so it is quite a gift you [volunteers] give to St. John’s.”