 Volunteer
Services
Hamilton Hospital recognizes the shared tradition of volunteering
and the commitment to volunteering as a unifying force to
build a strong community.
Have you ever noticed the busiest folks are always the ones
who come through to tackle a project or take on a job that
others can't find time to do? If you would like to join the
group of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time at
Hamilton Hospital, we have several options for you to explore.
Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary
The Hamilton County Hospital Auxiliary was formed in the
fall of 1972 with the goal of spreading goodwill and good
health. There were twenty-one charter members involved in
the establishment of the organization. The membership soon
grew to 500, but today is closer to 320. In 1996 the name
was changed to Hamilton Hospital Auxiliary.
According to Barbara Halverson, charter member and President
from 1973-76, "The organization is dedicated to serving
the community through the hospital." The goals include
rendering service to and advancing the welfare of Hamilton
Hospital. Also, the Auxiliary assists the hospital by promoting
the health and welfare of the community. Here are some of
the ways we do this:
Gift Shop -
The Auxiliary Gift Shop opened in 1973 and operates on a totally volunteer basis.
Over 3,000 hours are logged each year by Auxiliary members who work several shifts a day,
seven days a week. In 1980 the gift shop acquired a larger space and financed the remodeling
and furnishing costs, with nearly $20,000 in donations. In 1994 the gift shop was moved again,
to a more central location. Again, the costs were paid, in part, by the Auxiliary. The gift shop
carries a nice line of items including Willow Tree, Isobel Bloom, magazines, candy, balloons.
Floral arrangements, cookies, coffee, juice and pop are also available. The gift shop can be
reached by calling 515-832-7614.
Volunteer Program
- Volunteers assist with patient care and amenities, or volunteer
in a specific department of the hospital to help with a variety
of tasks. Currently the hospital has a need for volunteers
to assist with activities for our skilled patients.
Scholarships -
Begun in 1977, the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund has provided educational assistance to area
people pursuing careers in health related fields. Over $30,000 in scholarships have been
awarded since the beginning of this valuable program. For more information about scholarships
you can contact Mary Ann Erickson at 515-832-7713 or email
.
Click here to download
the scholarship application (in .pdf format).
Blood Drives -
Since its inception, and in conjunction with the hospital laboratory and the
Blood Center of Iowa, the Auxiliary coordinated monthly blood drives. Auxiliary
members schedule donors, staff the donation site and provide refreshments and snacks
for the blood donors and the Blood Center staff.
Equipment Purchases -
One of the main reasons that the Auxiliary exists is to provide
the hospital with things that their budget might not otherwise
allow. Over the years the Auxiliary has donated over $80,000 to
the hospital for such things as: ICU waiting room furnishings, hospital
beds and various pieces of patient care equipment. To facilitate the
purchase of hospital equipment and to support our other projects, the
Auxiliary must raise money. This is accomplished in several ways, such
as gift shop profits, the Election Day luncheon, a “No-Bake” bake sale,
membership dues, donations and the infant car seat program.
Public Relations - Volunteers have
provided many hours of service in support of hospital PR efforts,
including helping out with open houses, coffees and hospital-sponsored
clinics such as cholesterol and diabetes screenings.
Library - We sponsor an in-hospital
library using donated books for the benefit of our patients
and their visitors.
Members log hours of service and are awarded incentives each year.
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