Volunteer Spotlight: Yvonne McElderry

Volunteer Spotlight - Citizens: Yvonne McElderry

April 10 – 16 is Volunteer Week, and we couldn’t think of a better way to highlight some of the most special people in our facilities., than to recognize them during this special week. Without them, our hospitals would not run as smoothly as they do. They help us serve you with care and devotion.

If anyone deserves to be a spotlight volunteer, it’s Yvonne McElderry. Her volunteer time extends far past serving as the volunteer secretary at Citizens Baptist; she is also Chairman of District 3 Alabama Hospital Auxiliaries, Newsletter Chairman, and a member of the Alabama Council of Hospital Auxiliaries Board.

She was kind enough to sit down and speak to us about her time as a volunteer. And as she always says, remember “God loves you and so do I!”

Why did you start volunteering at our hospital?
Talladega is my home town and I consider this my hospital. I want to help make it great, and the best way I can do that is to volunteer.

How long have you been volunteering at our hospital?
12-15 years. It’s hard to keep track when you enjoy what you do!

How often do you volunteer with us?
Usually four days a week, Monday through Thursday. I sometimes come in on Friday’s too.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering?
I love seeing the smile on people’s face when you say something to them and you are able to assist them. People are often lost in the hospital, and you can see the look on their face of, “I don’t know where I’m going.” Being a volunteer, you are able to take them where they need to go and help. I love knowing that I’m helping somebody.

What do you normally do when you volunteer?
I’m the secretary, so I’m in the office most of the time, but I also fill-in for other volunteers. I was in the gift shop yesterday, but I can be in OR waiting, or wherever they need me.

When I’m in the office, I keep up with the daily attendance of volunteers. I work with the state board on the communications and state newsletters that go out to all of the hospital volunteers in Alabama. I keep all of the volunteers informed about things that are going on, like events and meetings. I also send correspondences and birthday wishes/get well cards to all current and past volunteers.

Are there any stories from your time as a volunteer that have stuck with you?
There was a young man who passed away, and his family was in the ER when they found out. I was there, and I was able to pray with them and help them when they were devastated. I was able to take them to the chapel and help them in their time of need. I was able to help them get into an area where they could grieve and get to a place where they were comfortable and able to go home. It seemed like such a small thing, but it had such a big impact.

What advice do you have to someone who is or has a loved one in the hospital?
If you know someone in the hospital, be there for them. There’s not much you can do for their physical health, but being there can really help with their mental health.

Also, if you or a loved one are in the hospital, please remember that we are always here for you and are happy to help. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Why should someone volunteer at a hospital?
Until you come into the hospital environment, you don’t know how much your help is needed. The employees are always so busy taking care of their patients that there are little things they can’t do. Nurses are so busy, so we try to help them out. We do things that may go unnoticed, but make a big impact and help ease someone’s day.