By SUE ELLEN ROSS Staff Reporter

(Editors note: This special series recognizes local residents that serve as volunteers in the River Parish area. The column will appear on a regular basis in L’Observateur newspapers.)

LAPLACE – During the past holiday season, many people offered their time and services to those in need. For 24 River Parishes residents, their season of giving lasts all year long, as they volunteer many hours in the River Parishes Hospital.

Janice Sanders is one of those dedicated people.

After retirement as a homemaker, the Reserve mother-of-one wanted to stay active and went to the hospital to extend her help.

“I didn’t want to become a couch potato, I was used to being busy,” she said. “I found myself with some extra time, and the hospital was close to home.”

Sanders began in the gift shop seven years ago. She has since worked in the Admitting Department, and currently is stationed in the Human Resources Department.

“I am usually here two days a week, helping with the clerical duties,” she said.

Sidney Sanders was excited for his wife when she began her work at the hospital. The active couple continues to combine quality at-home time with their outside interests.

“Sidney’s hobby is model airplanes, and he keeps busy with that,” she said. “And I am busy with my work here.”

The staff in the H. R. Department is appreciative of her efforts to make their workload lighter.

“They know I’m willing to do what needs to be done…they tell me that I am such a big help,” Sanders said. “This allows them to focus on other things.”

She suggests volunteer work for anyone that wants to gain a feeling of fulfillment. “This is such a rewarding experience. If I can help a person the least little bit, I am happy.”

She added that the atmosphere at the hospital is very relaxed, and a smile from a volunteer can put most people at ease in what is sometimes a tense situation.

As with any job that deals with the public, sometimes a volunteer worker may go above the call of duty. While working in the Admitting Department, Sanders had occasion to refer patients to other departments when the need arose. “They may be confused about insurance or a social or financial matter, so I would direct them to the proper department,” she said

The hospital helpers serve many purposes, according to Claudette Henry, volunteer coordinator. “The volunteers can make patients feel comfortable (about being here). They are someone to talk to – a familiar face.”

Departments that utilize these dedicated people are the Med-Surg. Gift Shop; and Emergency, among others.

To supplement the current volunteer roster, Candy Stripers from local schools give of their time during the summer.

The hospital requires a minimum of 4 working hours per week for all volunteers. Everyone has their specific work area, according to the coordinator. “When they apply, we try to make that perfect fit.”

For more information, call Claudette Henry at 651-1482.