Volunteers' efforts highlighted

NEWTON — Newton Memorial Hospital has been paying tribute to a special group of people this week — its volunteers. “From April 27 through May 3, we will honor our volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Our theme this year is community service and that is what volunteers are all about,” said Tania Dikun, Volunteer Coordinator at Newton Memorial Hospital. Dikun oversees 200 volunteers a month who work in a multitude of capacities. From the front desk and gift shop to the emergency room, there are many jobs to be filled. Dave Johnson, a 23-year resident of Sparta who is retired from AT & T, just completed 4000 volunteer hours in the emergency room. For the past three years, Johnson works 7am to 7pm every Monday and Friday. “I provide direct support to doctors, nurses and patients. There is always a need for an extra set of hands. I look forward to Mondays and Fridays,” Johnson said. Of course, Johnson clarified that he does not assist in any medical procedures but rather helps to reduce the stress that is often present in emergency rooms. “I am a people person. Working with the wonderful staff here and helping provide comfort to people makes me feel constructive,” Johnson said. “It’s a great opportunity to stay active when you are retired and learn new things,” he added. Likewise Lawrence Walsh, a retired Police Chief Inspector from Dinghams Ferry, Pennsylvania, just completed his first year of volunteering in the emergency room. “Volunteering is very rewarding. I get more out of than I give,” Walsh said. “The staff is very welcoming. I help the nurses when they need something. From the mundane of getting coffee for someone to administering comfort to family members, I enjoy helping families through their hour of crisis. I have also helped squads when they come in,” he adds. Volunteers will wear lapel pins during the week on their pink and red smocks that read: ‘Volunteers: The Heart of the Community.’ Awards will be presented to both Johnson and Walsh for their hours of service. And Dikun is planning around the clock treats for the volunteers from food service carts. Volunteering is for all ages and not just at the hospital. “We have junior volunteers ages 14 to 18 otherwise known as candy stripers who help out on nursing floors. They have gone through a 50 hour training orientation during the summer,” explains Dikun. And Dikun places volunteers outside the hospital but still under its domain at the Beehive Thrift Shop in Newton, the Cancer Center at the Sparta Health & Wellness Center and at the Milford, PA, Health & Wellness Center. “You can make a difference. Newton Memorial Hospital is looking for volunteers of all ages to help the professional staff provide the best possible healthcare in both patient and non-patient areas. We work with you to find your interest and see where people are best placed,” encourages Dikun. Most volunteers work four hours per week and flexible schedules can be arranged. All of those interested can call 973-579-8370 or stop by the front desk at Newton Memorial Hospital to receive an application.