PBMC Volunteers Honored as the Heart of the Community
Total volunteer hours estimated value: $180,000
More than 60 PBMC volunteers attended a luncheon in their honor at the Samoset on May 12. In the photo above, from left: Wayne Keiderling, Patient Transport; Marilyn Muth, Front Lobby Reception; Steve Seekins, Pet Therapy; and Ken Grover, Patient Transport.
Monday, May 12, was a special day of recognition for the Penobscot Bay Medical Center volunteers. More than 60 people attended a luncheon held at Marcel's in the Samoset Resort. In-hospital volunteers, on-call chaplains and the Pen Bay Stitchers were joined by members of Pen Bay Healthcare's Leadership Team and were congratulated for their outstanding efforts.
"Without the help of our generous and able volunteers this year, we would have had to hire nine full-time employees," said Tom Girard, Vice President, Human Resources, Pen Bay Healthcare, as he addressed the group. "It is almost impossible to measure the impact of our volunteers' efficient and effective efforts."
The PBMC roster includes 88 gifted in-hospital volunteers covering more than two dozen areas, including patient transport, patient registration, Cancer Care Center, reception, pet therapy, the gift shop, Emergency Department, library and much more.
One of the highlights of the lunch came when Judi Trenholm, Director, Volunteer Services, read the names and hours contributed by each volunteer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Independent Sector have estimated the current hourly volunteer value at $19.51, up from $18.77 last year. This past year, in-hospital volunteers contributed 9,231 hours valued at more than $180,000. The Pen Bay Stitchers contributed another 8,805 hours and the on-call chaplains are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At the luncheon, Trenholm told the PBMC volunteers: "The contributions you made in the past year, and continue to make, are truly priceless. Each day we are impressed and thankful for your compassion, caring and professionalism and the difference you make in the lives of our patients, colleagues and visitors. You share your time and talents, your expertise and your passion. You are an essential part of our organization's success and we are fortunate to have you as part of the Pen Bay family. We sincerely thank you and congratulate you all."
Vicki Haskell proclaimed the luncheon very good and explained that she became a volunteer after retiring from Senter Crane's store in Rockland: "I have been here for about 12 years, first in Escort and now in Patient Registration. I love people – I have to be where there are people and I can help. I think volunteering is very worthwhile, and I don't know why more people don't do it."
For more information about volunteer opportunities at the hospital, call 596-8553.