What is your favorite part about volunteering at MountainView?
When patients tell me, “You made my day.” It brightens my day, too. I also appreciate the hugs and kind words from patients, visitors and employees.
How long have you been a volunteer at MountainView?
Seven years.
How many hours have you volunteered?
About 6,500 hours.
That’s a lot of hours. Why do you volunteer?
I want to be helpful and useful. I want to spend my free time in a meaningful way.
Are you retired?
Yes.
Before retiring, what was your career?
I worked as a school library media specialist.
How long have you lived in Las Vegas?
I’ve lived in Las Vegas for almost seven years.
What volunteer activities do you take part in at the hospital?
I enjoy knitting baby hats for the newborns. I also take our book cart around to the floors. I enjoy interacting with patients and their family and giving them a distraction, through conversation or a good book, if even for a short time. I also work at the front information desk, greeting people as they come into the hospital and helping them find their way. I also try to fill in when volunteers are sick or on vacation.
How many hats have you knitted for newborns?
I’ve probably made between 500 and 600. I enjoy knitting, and the parents seem to appreciate the thoughtfulness of a handmade gift.
I heard you also organized the mailroom and created an algorithm for mail delivery for the hundreds of people who work at the hospital.
Yes. I saw a need and figured it out. It makes it easier on the volunteers who help sort the mail.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t volunteering?
I have been a member of the Westside Newcomers Club for the past five or six years. I also take Pilates classes three times a week.