Mary Lou Sherrill, this year’s Individual Volunteer of the Year, began visiting St. Barnabas Senior Living Services when her neighbor, the facility’s dietary supervisor, invited her for a visit. That was 24 years ago, and she still continues her visits, coming at least three times a week.

Sherrill visits one on one with patients in their rooms and spends time with patients in the common areas. She leads craft session, memorial services, group discussions and educational programs. Sherrill understands that the patients sometimes feel lonely, and she takes a great deal of pleasure talking to them, delivering lunches, taking them to chapel or just spending a few quiet moments with them.

Patients describe Sherrill by saying she “is a positive, genial person, dedicated to helping others. She is a woman for all season.” She is known as an inspiration to other volunteers, employees, patients and family members.
 

THCA's 2006 Group Volunteer of the Year

Since 1970, The Volunteer Department of Fort Sanders-Sevier Medical Center Nursing Home, this year’s winners, has been working four to five days a week. They started a Tuesday Club, where members lead a song and worship service. And, the group makes a point to visit each and every one of the nursing home’s 54 patients.

The volunteers lead craft sessions, arrange for movie viewings and provide refreshments. They conduct fundraisers for the facility and recently purchased an aviary for patients to enjoy. They often provide clothing and personal items for the patients as well.

According to the facility’s staff, this volunteer group works each day to encourage, praise and promote independence for the nursing home patients. Whether they are helping a group of patients plant flowers or playing cards with a patient, they greatly contribute to the quality of life for the patients.