By: Julie Lawrence | Manager, Business Development & Marketing With Lehigh Regional Medical Center
Lehigh Regional Medical Center’s non-profit volunteer organization is vibrant with a diverse group of people from our community who devote their time and hearts to the hospital. The Lehigh Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers welcome all who enter the hospital and reach out into the community as well with scholarships.
The team was mostly disbanded during Covid, but has been built back with long-time volunteers, newer residents of Lehigh Acres, and local students earning hours for high school and college. With over 2000 volunteer hours in 2023, their duties include greeting and signing in visitors, providing helping hands stocking supplies, refreshing waters for patients, and assembling information packets.
The volunteers operate Gifts from the Heart. The hospital gift shop is a highlight for employees and visitors with beautiful arrangements from Westminster Florist, phone chargers, puzzle books, costume jewelry, scented candles, seasonal décor, and snacks. Jean Sapp, a Pink Lady volunteer in 1984, and current volunteer says, “Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding things I have done. Sharing joys and sorrows with visitors has been a blessing. And, the gift shop’s one-of-a-kind items are a real plus.” Profits from the gift shop, bake sales and popcorn days are used for scholarships.
The Lehigh Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers relaunched their scholarship program this year, awarding two $500 scholarships to well deserving students. Scholarships are awarded twice a year to applicants pursuing an education in healthcare. Applicants must be Lehigh Acres residents, or can live outside of Lehigh Acres if they are an employee or immediate family member.
Lauralee Pierre, 2024 Lehigh Senior High School graduate, was awarded the May Scholarship. Joel Ball, Volunteer Manager, presented the award at the Senior Awards Ceremony at Lehigh Senior High School. Lauralee is attending USF, with goals of getting her Ph.D. and opening a Christian Psychology practice. Her mother, Marie Pierre is an Emergency Department RN.
The August Scholarship was awarded to Leah Woodrum, 2024 Labelle High School graduate, attending the University of Florida majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a special interest in prosthetics. Leah’s mother, Jami Woodrum, is a Surgery Department RN.
In addition to their exceptional academic records and recommendations, both young women earned college credits while in high school and were active volunteers in their community and church. It was an exciting year for the scholarship re-launch and the team is looking forward to helping many more students in the future.
Lehigh Regional Medical Center is grateful for the volunteers so generously sharing their talents to serve the hospital and the community. Joel Ball adds, “The most rewarding aspect of volunteering is sitting at the front door of the hospital at the main desk- the welcome mat of the hospital. We lend a helping hand, words of comfort, and try to bring a bright spot to the hospital setting.”
For volunteer and scholarship applications, call 239-368-4479 or email jlawrence2@primehealthcare.com.
