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Wabasso volunteers give the gift of their time |
| BL » News » Wabasso volunteers give the gift of their time |
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April 14, 2004 |
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This article by Chrisalyn Smith was reprinted with permission from the April 14, 2004, edition of the Wabasso (Minn.) Standard.
When one thinks of a gift, they may think of a tangible item such as money or possessions. However, a gift of one’s time can be just as precious, if not more so, than material things. Volunteers give the gift of their time to others, and in order for the Wabasso Healthcare Center to recognize and thank their volunteers, it will hold a Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 21.
The 60 volunteers who spend time with the 44 residents currently at the Wabasso Healthcare Center do all types of activities from setting the residents’ hair to visiting them. Some groups and organizations volunteer at the center as well as some individuals.
“We appreciate their willingness for their time and energy to share with the residents,” said Chris Pitzl, Wabasso Healthcare Center activity director.
“Having volunteers is so important, because they give that extra kindness.”
Pitzl said that the residents simply light up when someone walks through the door of their home at the healthcare center. She added that the volunteers get more self-esteem through volunteering and develop meaningful relationships with the residents.
One of the volunteers, Veronica Johanneck, has been giving her time at the healthcare center for 20 years. She helps arrange the Catholic Mass at the home and also calls bingo from time to time.
“I enjoy helping out whenever and wherever I can,” said Johanneck.
Another of the Wabasso Healthcare Center volunteers, Lila Hammerschmidt, also enjoys her time at the center. She’s been volunteering since the early 1990s when her mother- and father-in-law were residents at the home. Hammerschmidt is a caller for the residents’ bingo along with another volunteer, Loretta Jenniges.
“I think it’s important for people, especially when they retire, to visit and see the people in the nursing home,” said Hammerschmidt.
Pitzl said she wouldn’t know what she would do each day without the help of all the Wabasso Healthcare Center volunteers.
“I want to thank the volunteers during this special time to let them know that they are a part or our nursing home family,” said Pitzl.
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