Volunteering: a rewarding activity for all ages

If you’ve ever been to the Outpatient Center at Providence Park Hospital in Novi on a Friday, chances are you were greeted by the contagious smile of Roberta Collins. Roberta, who will turn 98 on December 10th, has been a weekly volunteer at Providence Park since July of 1992 when Providence Park opened simply as an Outpatient Center. She and her husband, Larry, were an integral part of starting up a Gift and Coffee Cart that is a colorful kiosk in the lobby. Over the years, and with the opening of the Hospital, the Cart has become a hub of business and socialization and raises money for grants. These grants have provided equipment and artwork for patient programs. This fact in particular is close to Roberta’s heart: “By volunteering, I can help the hospital raise money”, she stresses.

The Cart doesn’t just offer merchandise and refreshments for visitors and associates, it is equally an area to provide a warm welcome and place to get questions answered for anyone coming into the lobby. Roberta thrives on this. She has kind words or a compliment for everyone at the Gift Cart along with their coffee. As a retired nurse, she says she has always been drawn to helping in a healthcare environment and knows how challenging some days can be for patients, visitors and staff.

Roberta recommends volunteering to every person, regardless of age. “I love doing volunteer work and meeting visitors and associates. It is very rewarding”, she states emphatically. This attitude is shared by approximately 600 members of the big family of volunteers at the Providence - Providence Park Hospital, Novi Campus, where people of all ages donate their time in various roles. With her outstanding commitment, Roberta is a shining example of how genuine dedication can make a hospital, which can be an intimidating environment, a welcoming place. Providence Park Hospital values the contributions and the work of its volunteers and is always happy to welcome newcomers who want to give back to the community and make a difference. For more information go to www.stjohn.org/volunteer.