Hugh Chatham Memorial hospital held its annual volunteer luncheon and recognition on Tuesday, April 20, at First Baptist Church in Elkin.

The annual event recognizes the countless hours of community members who volunteer at the hospital, in the nursing home, and the gift shop, as well as those who spend hours knitting cancer caps, baby caps and prayer shawls for the patients of the hospital.

Ninety-six volunteers were given pins recognizing their length of service that ranged from 100 to 9,900 hours, which was earned by Juanita Royall, who volunteered 9,900 hours, using her knitting skills for nine years.

Patricia Wagoner, director of volunteer services opened the awards luncheon by thanking the men and women who give tirelessly of their time to help out in numerous ways as a hospital volunteer.

“You are the first person a patient sees when coming into the hospital,” Wagoner said. “Your kindness and attentiveness to the patient is what makes them feel comfortable.”

Dr. Jim Harrell Sr. thanked the volunteers and spoke to the group on how proud the Hugh Chatham Foundation board of trustees are to have such fine, caring individuals working to help those who find themselves in need of medical assistance or just a friendly face who offers a kind word, a book, or asks if there is anything that they need.

“We’re very proud of our hospital and the volunteers who go out of their way to make their stay pleasant are a great asset to Hugh Chatham,” Harrell said. “Thank you for your service to the community.

“When we started planning the new addition, we knew we would have to raise $4,000,000 in the second phase,” he said. “Next thing I knew, here came the volunteers giving us $500,000. It gave us great energy to move forward. We are very thankful for the work the volunteer program of Hugh Chatham does and wish to commend you for your tireless effort in helping others.”

Hugh Chatham Memorial’s CEO David Loving spoke to the group of volunteers about the accolades he’s received from patients, both from the immediate area and beyond.

“What a pleasure it is that we have such a vibrant volunteer organization that makes HCMH such a special place,” Loving said. “I receive numerous letters from patients complimenting the volunteers and the care and concern they have received from a volunteer. Letters come not only from patients who live in our area, but those who have had the need to visit our facility for medical services while traveling, and those who have been here to visit one of our patients.

“The feeling a patient receives when they walk in the door is one of comfort and respect,” he said. “Your organization is so special, the board of trustees and I truly appreciate your organization. For all the above and beyond that you do, thank you.”

Rebecca Maynard, auxilliary chaplain spoke to the group and gave the invocation.

“You, as volunteers, acknowledge their (the patient’s) value by helping to direct them to the right department, knitting a prayer cap, and being there when they need a helping hand,” Maynard said. “You practice the ‘I See You’ philosophy with everyone you meet in the hospital.

“Volunteers understand they can change the life of another, one person at a time,” she said. “Your service is invaluable to not only the hospital, but the lives of the individuals you touch.”

Dr. Bill Johnson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Elkin, gave the presentation speech to the volunteers.

“You as volunteers have the keys to the locked doors for family members to pass through,” Johnson said. “You bring the healing of human interaction. You talk to and are concerned about the patients, you provide an invaluable service to the the hospital.

“When a volunteer takes the time to talk to a patient or a family member waiting in the surgical waiting room, it gives them comfort,” he said. “Everybody feels better when you can swap a story with someone.”

Johnson spoke of patients without family members, and those whose family may be too far away to be in attendance with the patient on a daily basis.

“Some of you have adopted an entire nursing home full of grandparents,” Johnson said. “To some of these patients, you are their family and the interaction you have with them brings a smile and caring to their lives.

“You are deserving of our thanks and praise,” Johnson said.

“The volunteer program is always open to anyone who wants to give of their time to help others,” Wagoner said. “Anyone wishing to be one of our volunteers, even if it’s only an hour or so a week, can contact me at the hospital.” 336-527-7000.