Huge-Hearted Hospital Volunteer Honored For 22K Hours Of Service

GREENPORT, NY — A huge-hearted senior was honored recently for her extraordinary years of dedication to the community.

Agnes "Nora" Busch, 91, was lauded by Eastern Long Island Hospital, which named her the recipient of the 2018 Theodore Roosevelt Award.

"This award recognizes extraordinary individuals who dedicate their talent and time to their local hospitals and communities," ELIH said. "Nora, like all recipients before her, has given something of herself to be incorporated into our hospital."

Since her start at ELIH more than 20 years ago, she has contributed more than 22,000 hours — or 917 days — to volunteering.

"Without Nora and those like her, our non-profit hospitals could not exist as we have come to know them. Congrats and thank you for your selfless dedication, Nora," ELIH said.

Busch reflected on her years of giving back. "The best part of being a volunteer is it's like having a second family," she said.

After she lost her husband and was no longer working, volunteering opened the door to a new life. "It gave a reason to get up in the morning," she said.

Busch said she was touched by the award. "It's quite an honor; I'm sitting here looking at Mr. Roosevelt!" she said.

Over the 22 years at ELIH, Busch has been at the front desk, in the volunteer office, and now, does computer work.

There's a dire need for new volunteers to take the reins, she said."There are so few new volunteers."

The hospital, she estimates, has about half the volunteers it did 20 years ago — and it's a problem faced nationwide as women are working longer and young parents have to juggle multiple jobs to survive.

Based on years of experience, Busch has no-nonsense advice for new volunteers: "It's a job. You can't just wake up in the morning and decide you don't feel like coming. We don't get paid, but the responsibility is the same. Once you decide to do it, it's an obligation."

And the community is thankful for her service.

"Over 22,000 hours later, she’s a Peconic Landing legend. Nora, you are such an inspiration to us. Congratulations!" Peconic Landing representatives said.

"Ms. Busch has dedicated so much of her life to helping others. She is an inspiration to us all," said Robert. J. Syron, president and CEO of Peconic Landing added. "On behalf of her entire Peconic Landing family, we'd like to congratulate her and thank her for the numerous hours she spends helping her neighbors here as well."

Patch photo courtesy Eastern Long Island Hospital.