LAPLACE – In recognition of National Volunteer Week, River Parishes Hospital honored its volunteers at a banquet held in the hospital’s Medical Pavilion Conference Room and hosted a week filled with games and activities.

The group was welcomed by Community Relations Coordinator Tammy Waltz, who thanked them for their continued dedication to the hospital. “I would like to thank all of you for your service throughout the year,” said Waltz. “Our group has gotten smaller over the past year, and many of you have taken on additional responsibilities. I want you all to now how much you are appreciated by all of us at River Parishes Hospital.”

River Parishes Hospital CEO Gerald A. Fornoff, echoed Waltz’s appreciation for the services donated by the hospital’s volunteers. “I was told that we have three volunteers who have been with the hospital since it opened 29 years ago,” said Fornoff. “And, two of our volunteers have donated over 14,000 hours to the hospital since your tenure. That’s incredible.” He continued, “I want you all to know that, no matter how many hours you have donated to us, we are very grateful for your service to the hospital and to our community. We hope you will be able to continue volunteering with us for many years to come.”

Waltz and Fornoff then presented the 26 volunteers with certificates and service pins signifying the number of hours each member volunteered in 2010, as well as the cumulative hours of service they donated to the hospital throughout their tenure. Together, the River Parishes Hospital volunteers donated over 10,000 hours in 2010, which is equivalent to five full-time employees.

To show their appreciation for the volunteers, many department managers attended the luncheon to serve as waiters. Other activities throughout the week included Bunco and ice cream sundaes, bingo games for prizes, a movie in the hospital’s conference room complete with popcorn and candy and an appreciation potluck lunch provided by hospital departments.