Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center turned the spotlight on its volunteers last week, celebrating their service and commitment during an April 26 luncheon at the Niagara Falls Country Club.
In 2017, some 260 volunteers ranging in age from teens to nonagenarians gave a combined 32,247 hours of service in 62 departments throughout the medical center, Heart Center of Niagara, Schoellkopf Health Center, Golisano Center for Community Health and at various satellite locations.
Front desk volunteers greeted nearly 25,000 visitors and patients. Escort volunteers transported 12,100 patients. Volunteer drivers provided 3,000 rides in Memorial's CARExpress vans.
Marion Baker, a Red Cross volunteer from Niagara Falls, was recognized for volunteering 50 years in patient escort, where she serves as captain on Mondays. Don Roulley, also of Niagara Falls, compiled the most hours in 2017 - 1,700 - volunteering in patient escort, with the coffee cart and at the information desk. Phyllis Corey of Sanborn logged 870 hours as a CARExpress van driver.
Other volunteers who gave more than 500 hours of service included Pam Harvey, Pat Lenhart and John Zipp, all of Niagara Falls, and Diane Glynn of Youngstown.
Volunteers who contributed 300 to 499 hours of service in 2017 included Chuck Conti, Carol Durant, Grace Maimone, Bob McInnis, Nora Pharo, Jane Schroeder, Gloria Tarpinian and Betty Tomlin, all of Niagara Falls, and Lorna Quarantillo of Lewiston.
Special recognition was given to active volunteers who served 25 years or more at the medical center. In addition to Baker, they included Mary Norton, Anne Hesson, Danny Giancola, Schroeder and Flo Cortese of Niagara Falls, and Alanna Wustrack of Lewiston.
Persons interested in volunteering at the medical center may contact Judy Villani, director of volunteer services, at 716-278-4440.
