Donna Richie’s extended family grew four years ago when she responded to an advertisement seeking volunteers for Alton Memorial Hospital.

“I feel like I have a whole new bunch of friends and family, and the best part is that I get to see them every week,” said Richie. “This hospital took such excellent care of my parents. This is my way to give back. You will get so much in return when you volunteer. It truly is a privilege to volunteer here.”

Richie assists in the Ambulatory Surgery department and creates an environment that is warm and inviting for patients and their families.

“When families are in the waiting room, sometimes they just want someone

to talk to, so I am here to listen,” Richie said. “I can answer questions, and if I don’t know the answer, I will find the person who does. I want them to know that they have someone to rely on and that I am here for them.”

Beth Herbstreit schedules patients in the OR and works closely with Richie and the other volunteers to create a great experience.

“We want our volunteers to look forward to coming here, so we work with them to identify what interests them,” said Herbstreit. “I have volunteers who organize paperwork, assist with the check-in process, answer the phone and provide directions to various hospital departments.”

“Volunteers are in almost all of the departments, and are often the first to interact with our visitors and patients,” said Kathleen Turner, volunteer coordinator for AMH. “By choosing to volunteer at the hospital, you are helping us in our goal to meet the needs of all our patients and their families in an environment of care, understanding, and compassion.”

 If you are interested in learning more about volunteering, contact Kathleen Turner at 618-463-7872, or email [email protected].

Pictured above: Donna Richie, right, a volunteer in the AMH Ambulatory Surgery department, with Beth Herbstreit, left, and Surgical Services manager Cathy Wagner.