Winneshiek Medical Center celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, 2022
The aspiration to “give back” is a common theme when speaking to WMC volunteers.
Winneshiek Medical Center’s 75 active volunteers are present in many areas, including the information desk, hospice, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), Auxiliary Gift Shop, and at special events. Additionally, volunteers provide hand-crafted items for patients, help with mailings, share their gardening talents and provide for other needs, as requested.
Nancy Ruen of Decorah joined WMC’s volunteer program early in 2022. “I retired from being a nurse (from Mayo Clinic in Rochester) directly before the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was always my intention to volunteer to give back to the community, but options were limited.” Nancy was able to volunteer at the food pantry in Decorah throughout the pandemic and expanded her time to include WMC a couple of years later. She currently serves in the WMC Gift Shop and at the Information Desk. “Of my roles at WMC, I enjoy volunteering in the Gift Shop the most,” she says. “It is a fun environment and I like interacting with the shoppers. I am able to choose my schedule, and the staff at WMC are helpful, welcoming and accommodating.”
The Winneshiek Medical Center Gift Shop is run by the WMC Auxiliary and is staffed by volunteers. Cards and gifts are available as well as a unique section of jewelry, watches, handbags and baby/child items. New and seasonal items are regularly added to the shelves, and shopping at the WMC Gift Shop is always tax free. Proceeds from the WMC Gift Shop support patient care equipment purchases and WMC staff education opportunities and fund the health career scholarship.
Glendalu Wuest has been volunteering at WMC since 2004. Like Nancy, Glendalu volunteers in the WMC Gift Shop, and she also serves as a board member for the WMC Auxiliary. She says, “After retiring from Spectrum, I missed being around people and wanted to give back to my community. My friend, Bev Christen, recruited me, and I have been active at the medical center since then.” Volunteer duties and processes have changed over the years, but Glendalu has always felt at home. She says, “At WMC, the staff and patients really appreciate the volunteers. We are always looking for new energy to join our volunteer team, so consider giving back by becoming a WMC volunteer!”
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the Winneshiek Medical Center Volunteer Services department at 563-387-3036.
