National volunteer week is upon us and across the nation volunteers are honored for all that they do for their community.

People give of their time for many reasons. Hospital volunteer Elly Hoar says, "I started volunteering 17 years ago when my husband first had surgery here, I liked what I saw and that's when I started volunteering."

Other volunteers like snow bird Don Beckman may need a little push to get involved. "Well my wife's a pusher. She gives me a push every once in a while about doing things."

Volunteer Manager Susan Crowe says that no matter how they start, volunteers are always welcome and appreciated at local hospitals like the Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center and Gulf Coast Hospital. "The volunteers are a crucial part of the hospital network that we have. Actually the hospital could not run nwithout the volunteers just because there are so many positions that they cover."

Don says that "It's very rewarding and you feel good after you've done it." If you count up the years of service among these volunteers Elly, Bettie & Don, it would come to 33 years of volunteering. And they tell me that most people are surprised to find out how good it feels to give back.

For more information on volunteering at a hospital contact Volunteer Services at 239-939-8636.