Luncheon Marks Volunteer Day At Mount Sinai South Nassau

OCEANSIDE, NY — April 21 was “Volunteer Day” at Mount Sinai South Nassau, an annual date on the calendar where the Oceanside hospital seeks to give back to the people who give it one of the most precious resources they have: Their time.

The hospital thanked 130 volunteers on Volunteer Day; hospital officials estimate that those volunteers combined to contribute thousands of hours of charitable work. That volunteer work, officials said, is invaluable in Mount Sinai South Nassau’s efforts to, “provide high-quality, patient-centered healthcare to the residents of the South Shore communities of Nassau County.”

At the head of the volunteer class were Baldwin resident John Carey, Lynbrook resident Felicia Gearhart and Elmont resident Terese Olson. Carey has contributed 860 volunteer hours over seven years of service, officials said, while Gearhart has given 2,200 hours over nine years and Olson has contributed 1,200 hours over eight years.

“Teresa, Felicia, Terese, and John reflect the compassion our volunteers have for our patients and their devotion to the selfless service they provide,” Volunteer Services Manager Carolina Castano said. “All Mount Sinai South Nassau volunteers provide a tremendous benefit to our community. Their efforts are a symbol of care in action.”

The trio were recipients of the "Shining Star" award, which hospital officials said, "recognizes those volunteers who have exhibited exceptional volunteer service or have enhanced patients’ experience in a special way."

For her efforts, Emmel was also given the “Five Star” award, which Mount Sinai South Nassau said highlights, “ the volunteer who shows extraordinary dedication and untiring service to the hospital.”