Lib Callaway has been volunteering at Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital for 47 years. During that time she has been a patient at the hospital and employed by the hospital.

She said from her experience volunteering makes a world of difference for those who are unfortunate enough to be at the hospital and also gives her a feeling of purpose. "I get a sense of satisfaction of being useful and of doing something worthwhile with my time," Callaway said Monday. "I think the patients get the sense that somebody cares about them and would like to be helpful to them and to make things as easy for them as possible. When you help others you help yourself."

A former president of the Hugh Chatham auxiliary, Callaway knows the importance of volunteers in a hospital setting, and she knows the importance of giving kudos to those who give their time.

The hospital honored its auxiliary members Monday with a friendship coffee held at the hospital. Patricia Wagoner, auxiliary and volunteer coordinator, said it was a way to show appreciation for the vital service volunteers provide.

"It's a way for us to thank the volunteers and auxiliary members," Wagoner said. "They make a difference. They show passion not only towards patients but towards the families. No one wants to be at the hospital, but at a time when you're here, it is nice to have a feeling that there is someone who cares and wants to go that extra mile for you."

The auxiliary also held a $5 Jewelry sale in the hospital lobby Monday, with proceeds going to the auxiliary fund.

Hugh Chatham CEO Stephen Pennington said the volunteers and auxiliary members uplift not only patients and their families but the hospitals employees as well.

"We couldn't function without our volunteers and auxiliary," Pennington said. "When you come in the hospital they are the warm smiles and greetings that everybody comes to expect. They also motivate us as employees because they are here giving their personal time. Not only do they help the patients, but they perform jobs that we would have to staff, so they also help us from a financial standpoint as well. I don't know what we would do without them."

Callaway and Wagoner said people can join the auxiliary and never actually step foot in the hospital by simply joining and paying a small due. Volunteers can also help by more than working at the hospital. "You don't have to work in the hospital," Callaway said. "People bake cookies and other things for the Pumpkin Festival. There are people who knit shawls for patients. There are so many ways you can help."

Callaway said she would like to see more people take part in something she has gotten so much joy and fulfillment from. "I think people like I am, who don't have any children or family in town, have time that they can use constructively. I love the hospital because the people who are here have some kind of need or they wouldn't be here, and we have an opportunity to bring a bit of cheer to help them and their families."

For more information on the Hugh Chatham Auxiliary and how to volunteer contact Patricia Wagoner at 527-7208.