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The Wright Memorial Hospital Auxilary honored LaDonna Sparks as its Volunteer of the Year on Wednesday. Pictured are, from left, front row, Joyce Schuett, Phyllis Henry, Norma Dougan, Twyla Keuhn, Anna Mae Swank, LaDonna Sparks, Carol Cross, Betty Elton, Carolyn Berry, Susanne Walden; back row, Gary Schuett, Belinda Hogan, Harold Kost, Arlene Garrison, Sharon Allen, Rev. Dan Wilford, Tootie Edwards, Katie May and Karen Sibbit.
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The WMH Nutritional Services Department served a brunch to the volunteers, thanking them for their commitment and service towards the organization. The morning began with an invocation from WMH Foundation Board Member Rev. Dan Wilford. Words of appreciation were shared by WMH CEO Gary Jordan and Volunteer Coordinator Matt Osterthun. New volunteers for the 2015 year were welcomed, which included Norma Dougan and Gary and Joyce Schuett.
Long-time hospital volunteer LaDonna Sparks was announced as the first-ever Volunteer of the Year for the Auxiliary Group. She was presented with a recognition plaque for her service and dedication towards the hospital.
“LaDonna volunteered nearly 800 hours towards the well-being of our local hospital in 2014,” said WMH Volunteer Coordinator Matt Osterthun. “But that’s not necessarily why she received this special recognition. LaDonna has been such a champion for the Auxiliary, handling the scheduling, subbing for other volunteers and treating hospital employees, patients and visitors with a high level of care. She is such an important individual for Wright Memorial Hospital so we wanted to truly thank her for everything she has done and will continue to do for our health care facility.”
Mrs. Sparks is originally from the Princeton area, but has been a Trenton resident for quite some time. She can be found greeting patients and employees at the main lobby, managing the gift shop or registering patients in the Outpatient Specialty Clinic.
In 2014, the auxiliary clocked in over 4,200 volunteered hours which is the equivalency of over two full-time positions in a year’s time. “I’m so proud of what this group has been able to accomplish this past year,” said Osterthun. “Hospital volunteers are vital towards the overall quality of the organization, and this group continues to look for ways to make a difference in the lives of many in our region.”
To become a hospital volunteer, persons can call the volunteer coordinator’s office at 660-358-5706.