White Plains Hospital and White Plains Mayor Tom Roach Celebrate Westchester Volunteers

Coinciding with National Volunteer Week and Mayor’s Recognition Day of National Service, White Plains Hospital today recognized dozens of volunteers who devote their time and efforts to several causes in the county at an event co-sponsored by Volunteer New York!, an organization devoted to increasing volunteerism in Westchester and surrounding counties. Many of these volunteers are members of RSVP of Westchester, which is part of the Corporation for National and Community Service. White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach presented the 20 volunteers with certificates of appreciation on behalf of the City during the event.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to engage with causes you care about, as well as give something back,” said Mayor Roach. “We are very fortunate in the City of White Plains to have so many committed and capable volunteers at every stage of life contributing their talents and time for the benefit of our community.”

At White Plains Hospital, nearly 500 volunteers ranging in age from 14 to over 90 donate approximately 55,000 hours of service annually in such areas as the Hospital boutique, routine health screenings, information desk, patient ambassador roles, caregiver support, and pet therapy, among others. Many also serve on various committees and fundraising initiatives, providing valuable insight, feedback and ideas that contribute to the Hospital’s success. “We are fortunate to have volunteers who have been with us for more than 50 years, as well as young students just starting out who are gaining exposure to careers in health care,” said Roseanne Braiotta, Director of Ancillary Services and Volunteers at White Plains Hospital. “Our volunteers, no matter what their roles are in the Hospital, contribute a great deal and make our patients and visitors feel special and cared for.”

“Volunteer New York! is so proud to join White Plain’s celebration of national service,” said Alisa Kesten, Executive Director of Volunteer New York. “Through our RSVP of Westchester program that engages so many of the City’s caring adults 55 years and older, it is clear that these volunteers have great impact in in areas of education, independent living, financial stability and healthy futures.”

National Volunteer Week was first established as a means to celebrate the contribution that women made on the home front during the Second World War. It became an official annual observance in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed a presidential proclamation to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism.

Those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at White Plains Hospital should call (914) 681-1225.