FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Betsy Harris

Medical Center Enterprise

334-347-0584 ext.8623

Betsy_Harris@mcehospital.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

When received.

Reaping the Rewards of Volunteering

ENTERPRISE, AL – It’s refreshing to see that the spirit of volunteerism is still alive in many communities. Yet when it comes to ‘me’ actually getting out there, a multitude of excuses arise: the commitment and time factor, age, and fear of not being able to make certain days. It’s easy to find excuses for just about anything. But why should volunteering be a significant aspect of one’s life?

“Volunteering is about taking part in the world – no matter what the age – and giving back to the community that is there for us each day,” said Medical Center Enterprise’s Volunteer Services Director, Betsy Harris.  “It’s about making the planet a better place to live and, believe it or not, any small step helps.”

Some people simply want to do something good for others; and, there are those who want to do something for themselves, such as learn a new skill or meet new people. Still others were, at one point in their lives, recipients of volunteerism and truly want to give back.

Medical Center Enterprise offers a wide variety of opportunities for all ages. To discover which volunteer opportunity is right for you, start with a pen and paper and write down your favorite way to pass time, your interests, your hobbies. Be sure to include areas or talents that you would like to share or develop. It could be knitting, working on the computer, or maybe you’re good at English or math. Next, review the volunteer positions at Medical Center Enterprise to identify which positions match your interests.

            It doesn’t matter the task or project, nor does it matter if you only have a small amount of time each month to give. Volunteering can be as simple as handing out juice at a blood drive, assisting at a health fair, reading, or even stuffing and labeling envelopes for mailing. You may not be able to lift heavy boxes for an event, but there are lots of behind the scenes ways that volunteers make an event come together.  “All you really need is motivation, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn,” Harris said. “Volunteering should be fun.”

At Medical Center Enterprise, volunteers are utilized to assist patients and staff members in designated areas of the hospital. “Our volunteer application will capture an individual’s areas of interest, which will help with placement,” Harris explained. “Our volunteers add a personal touch to help provide comfort to patients and family members, as well as, provide service and support to hospital staff.”

Currently, Medical Center Enterprise has more than 50 volunteers who give more than 8,000 hours of service per year.  Volunteers receive a personal satisfaction knowing they’ve done something for someone else in need.  “They may have originally come in wanting the benefit of keeping busy after the loss of a loved one, but we see a transformation over time as they truly love helping others,” Harris said.

Gloria Fanucci has been a volunteer at Medical Center Enterprise for more than 10 years.  “I have worked in many departments,” Fanucci said. “Volunteering gives me such a sense of accomplishment, and I have met many wonderful individuals over the years who have enhanced my life.”

Volunteering can be personally satisfying, challenging, and fun when one uses his or her skills, talents, and free time to benefit others.  It shifts the daily self-survival and interest focus to others who aren’t as fortunate.  With the right perspective, one can’t give without also receiving back.  For more information on the volunteer program at Medical Center Enterprise, contact Betsy Harris at 347-0584 ext.8623.

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