Volunteering at Oaklawn Hospital
2012 Auxiliary Officers
Back Row: Ann Grzeskowiak, Secretary; Carol Thrall, Treasurer; Cindy Fish, Corresponding & Assistant Recording Secretary
Front Row: Kathy VanDerMeulen, Co-President; Dar Neidlinger, Co-President
Your compassion for people can make a wonderful difference at Oaklawn. The Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary is seeking individuals who are willing to share their time to enrich the experience of our hospital's patients and visitors. Our volunteers are very visible, performing important services for patients and their families. Often that means helping find information or giving directions, but it can also mean providing conversation to an anxious visitor.
The Oaklawn Auxiliary, with over 200 members, has raised significant sums of money for patient care and dedicated countless hours to assisting patients and visitors during its 60 year history. This entirely volunteer group manages and staffs the Gift Shop and Information Desk, works in patient areas, assists with blood drives, and makes many other valuable contributions to the hospital in time and money.
When it comes to volunteering at Oaklawn, so many skills are valuable and can be used in an area that will interest just about anyone -- whether you wish to spend an occasional hour or a day or more. And best of all, you'll experience the reward of knowing you're helping your neighbors.
Auxiliary Guilds
Birth Center: Deliver food trays and run errands for staff. Collect baby booties, hats and blankets made by Auxilians and other generous people in the community.
Bloodmobile: Help the American Red Cross staff several blood drives throughout the year.
Dialysis Center and Oncology Clinic: Distribute fresh water, blankets, reading materials, and assist staff with various duties.
Gift Shop: Staff the Gift Shop, organize the annual Holiday Bazaar and special sales. Gift Shop buyers also attend annual merchandise fairs.
(l-r) Sharon Kiessling, Gift Shop Buyer
Donna Mather, Gift Shop Guild Chair
Bonnie Bidwell, Gift Shop Buyer
Hospice: Provide assistance with clerical tasks in the office or visit our hospice patients in their home providing companionship or caregiver respite.
Information Desk: Members are the first people seen by patients and visitors at the hospital and the most important quality is to make a great first impression. They greet the public, answer questions, and provide directions.
Popcorn: Volunteers make and sell popcorn once a week in the hospital cafeteria. The Auxiliary has established a Medical Scholarship Fund for Oaklawn Hospital staff and their immediate families. All proceeds from popcorn sales will be used to help fund this scholarship.
Stuffed Toy: Make stuffed toys and cloth dolls that are distributed to children throughout the hospital. Approximately 800 toys are delivered throughout the hospital each year.
(l-r) Elaine Noneman, Stuffed Toy Guild Chair
Evelyn Buckenberger, Diane Ringenberg, Bonnie Bidwell, Sharon Kiessling
Tray Favor: Make decorative favors for patient food trays.
Student Art Show: Members work with the hospital Development staff, students, art teachers and framers to hold this annual event that showcases the artwork of more than 270 K-12 Marshall Public School students. Following a reception and exhibit, artwork is hung throughout the hospital.
Fundraising Committee: Members of this committee assist other guilds in promoting and staffing creative events and activities to raise funds for the hospital.
For information about becoming a member of the Oaklawn Auxiliary, please call the Development Department at (269) 789-3903 or pick up a volunteer application form at the hospital Information Desk. An application form is also located below.
We hope you will consider becoming a member of the Oaklawn Hospital Auxiliary and learn more about the contribution you can make in the lives of our patients and visitors.
2012 Officers:
Dar Neidlinger, Co-President
Kathy VanDerMeulen, Co-President
Ann Grzeskowiak, Secretary
Carol Thrall, Treasurer
Cindy Fish, Corresponding and Assistant Recording Secretary