by Sallie Woodring
Volunteers find their way to ARHS for a myriad of reasons. Long time WMC volunteers Elaine & Jim Jones have been volunteering since 2003.
Elaine volunteers in outpatient surgery and shares the following as to how she started in her current role with the volunteer program: “A good friend who was a (WMC) volunteer approached me about becoming a volunteer. I thought about it and decided I would try it. That was in 2003. I work in outpatient surgery and I love it. I was retired and this gives me something I can do for others and keep me active. I have worked with some of the most professional, compassionate and caring nurses. When you walk through the halls of the hospital in your blue jacket, every staff member greets you with a smile and many times they thank you for your service. It makes you feel as if you are a member of this hospital team.” In her work career, Elaine taught Physical Education classes from kindergarten through the graduate level and general science at the high school level. She also served a four year term on the Watauga County Board of Education as the first woman elected to that board.
Jim holds degrees from both Elon College, East Carolina University and took graduate classes at UNC-CH. He was a professor at ASU for forty years in the accounting field. Jim was also a tennis coach and athletics director. So it is no surprise why Jim enjoys his volunteer role. “I have always been an active person and when I retired I needed to continue this” states Jim on why he decided to join the volunteer program at WMC. “Volunteering gave me the chance to have the activity I needed and use this time to help at Watauga Hospital in some small way. I currently work in the Pharmacy and get lots of exercise walking to deliver materials needed all over the hospital.” Jim’s co-workers in the pharmacy truly value his service and consider him to be an important part of their work team.
Both Jim & Elaine have given many hours and years to WMC and are an integral part of the volunteer program.Hats off to this wonderful couple and many thanks for striving to really make a difference in the lives of our patients, staff and families.
Active volunteers are now eligible for a free membership to the wellness center. For more information on the volunteer program at WMC, please contact Annette Eggers in the volunteer office at 828-268-9438 or at aeggers@apprhs.org.