LAKEPORT, Calif. – Sutter Lakeside Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary President Joan Taylor is eager to find others like her to invest time in serving the needs of the hospital’s patients and staff.

Taylor is a nine-year member of the auxiliary. She joined the group in 2005 following her retirement from the California Department of Forestry; she wanted to stay busy with tasks that genuinely helped others.

April 6 through 12 marks National Volunteer Week.

Sutter Lakeside’s volunteers have been working diligently on behalf of the hospital since 1967 to assist with patient and family needs and to fundraise for hospital equipment.

The volunteer auxiliary is probably best known for their busy gift shop tucked away in the hospital lobby.

Over the years, their fundraising efforts have purchased furniture for the Family Birth Center, contributed to the Mobile Health Services Unit and stroke telemedicine campaigns, and acquired equipment for the Physical Therapy Department and technology for the Family Medicine Clinic.

Since 1998, the auxiliary has granted Sutter Lakeside Hospital employees with $77,120.29 in health care-related scholarships.

Since 2006, they have awarded approximately $39,000 in scholarships to local Lake County high school students interested in pursuing health care degrees.

“Many of us come from professional backgrounds and we have a lot to offer,” said Taylor. “All of us are very invested in the health care of our community. Volunteering makes us feel valued, as well. We always need more volunteers.”

The 28-member auxiliary volunteers work in the hospital’s surgical waiting room, help out in the Family Birth Center, and clerk in the gift shop.

They assist patients and family members, deliver flowers and books, help out in the Emergency Department, and create gift baskets to give to families in the Family Birth Center.

To become a Sutter Lakeside Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary member, individuals can request an application form by visiting the gift shop from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

All applicants must be interviewed, pass a background check and undergo a medical clearance. Costs for the medical clearance are covered by the hospital.

“I get so much pleasure from working at the hospital. It’s a hub for our community and the camaraderie that we have here is phenomenal. Why not come join us?” Taylor asked.