Washington Service League Volunteers Recognized for 60 Years of Service

More than 165 current and former Washington Hospital Service League volunteers gathered earlier this month to celebrate 60 years of volunteer service to Washington Hospital and the community it serves.

Service League President Debbie Jackson said the anniversary luncheon was a “huge success in celebrating the contributions of the hundreds of women and men who have given of themselves to the Washington Hospital community these past 60 years. Their volunteer work has enhanced the lives of the Hospital’s patients, their families and friends.”

Washington Hospital Chief Executive Officer Nancy Farber praised the Service League volunteers for the many contributions the organization has made to support the health and well-being of the Hospital.

“When the Hospital has needed something to improve patient care or service, you have always been there to support the initiative,” Farber said. “Your support is not only measured in dollars, but in hours of service that are invaluable to the work of the Hospital.”

She added: “Your presence throughout the Hospital speaks for itself. You can be found throughout the campus executing the many important roles that we cannot do without. I personally want to thank you for who you are, what you do and the value you add to the mission of the Hospital. You are the reason, in large part, that Washington Hospital will continue to provide quality health care services well in to the future.”

The work of the Service League in support of Washington Hospital began in 1955 when civic-minded women met to support a proposed local hospital for their community. At that time, these women had no idea that their initial fundraising effort would develop into the Washington Hospital Service League: an organization that has provided almost 2 million hours of volunteer service and donated more than $2.4 million to Washington Hospital during the last 60 years.

Today, more than 500 individuals volunteer in support of the Hospital. Service League volunteers staff the Lobby Desk and Gift Shop, work in the Special Care Nursery and Birthing Center, help staff the Institute for Joint Replacement and Research, the Diabetes and Women’s Center, Tattoo Removal program and Better Breathers Group, and the Community Resource Library. They provide support and information for family and friends of patients in the Emergency, Critical Care and Surgery areas, help with patient feeding and participate in numerous special projects where extra hands are needed.

“The Service League is always the first to the table with contributions,” added Angus Cochran, executive director of the Washington Hospital Foundation. “They were first in 1958 and again in 2006 with the $300,000 gift to the Critical Care and Emergency Room building fund.”

Information on how to become a Washington Hospital Service League volunteer may be obtained on the Washington Hospital website: whhs.com or by calling 510.791.3465.