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“There is incredible value in being of service to others.” — Elizabeth Berg, author
For California’s hospital volunteers, who so graciously give of your time and talents, service is at the heart of what you do. Whether it’s as a volunteer or a leader guiding volunteer programs, every day, you give selflessly to help others.
To every volunteer who has staffed a gift shop, thank you.
To every volunteer who has answered the phone, thank you.
To every volunteer who has worked hand in hand with hospital staff, thank you.
To every hospital volunteer who has held the hand of a patient or family in need, thank you.
To every volunteer — whichever role you have filled, thank you.
I know that each and every one of you has different reasons for volunteering and lending your time to hospitals and patients. Whether it’s to be involved in your community, stay busy, meet new people, develop new skills, or all of the above — your help is invaluable. While it would be impossible to measure your contributions, we know that California’s hospitals would not be the same without you.
This Volunteer Appreciation Week is a chance to recognize your dedication to patients, visitors, staff, each other, and the greater communities that you serve. Volunteering is a choice — a noble choice — and so much of what hospitals do would not be possible without you. I applaud you — the volunteers and the many volunteer services staff — for your selfless dedication to California’s hospitals and the patients they care for.
The challenges have been great these past few years, but you have not been discouraged. On behalf of California’s hospitals, thank you for your generosity, for your warm smiles, for your strength — and most of all, for being there.