By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – When Betty Coleman’s husband was hospitalized at River Parishes Hospital, she appreciated the caring staff and hospital workers that were available for the families.

“I saw the volunteers at that time, they were so helpful,” she said. “I decided that I would become one,” she said.

Coleman is currently stationed in the hospital gift shop. She assists with inventory, displays items, and helps customers. She has previously worked in a department store and dress shop, so she know how to arrange merchandise and make the gift shop attractive to customers.

Before moving to LaPlace in 1980 from New York, Coleman worked as a social welfare examiner for Niagara County Social Services. Although she is officially retired, her daily schedule is still very full.

The LaPlace resident handles secretarial work for her husband’s sign-painting business, serves as president of the St. John Ministry of Care, is on the Board of the Council on Aging, member of AARP, and fills in as volunteer at the Lutheran Church of the Galilean.

She also plans time with her family – husband, Austin; daughter, Claudia Weber; grandchildren, Renee and Robby; and great-grandchildren, Nicole, Todd, and Alyssa.

Coleman enjoys the volunteer group at the hospital, they are all close. And, being among friendly faces and helping hands everyday is an additional benefit.

“Helping people is very rewarding,” she said. “Sometimes they just need directions or conversation, but it’s a very good feeling to know you can make a difference.”

For information on volunteering at River Parishes Hospital, call Claudette Henry at 651-1482.