Published: June 2, 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
For Angela Fields and Mary Lynne Shackelford, volunteering isn’t something you squeeze in when you have extra time. It’s a way of life.
Both women recently surpassed 500 volunteer hours, a milestone they reached quietly — until Norton Healthcare Foundation and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation surprised them with celebrations. The recognition marked not just the number of hours served, but decades of compassion, service and commitment to children and families across the community.
Angela Fields, a respiratory therapist at Norton Children’s Medical Center, was caught completely off guard when she learned she had crossed the 500‑hour mark.
“I thought I was going to see some new equipment,” Angela said. “Instead, everyone from the foundation was there clapping, giving me a certificate and a cookie. I had no idea.”
Angela has spent nearly four decades caring for children who struggle to breathe and supporting families during some of their most difficult moments. That same spirit carries into her volunteer work with Norton Healthcare Foundation and Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation events.
From the Norton Children’s Hospital Home & BMW Raffle to Festival of Trees & Lights, Snow Ball, golf scrambles and 5K fundraisers, Angela is a familiar — and unmistakable — presence. Her voice rings out as she welcomes guests, sells raffle tickets and encourages people to get involved.
“People tell me they recognize my voice,” she said. “They’ll say, ‘I know that voice!’ And I just laugh.”
According to Angela, her love for volunteering was instilled early. Her mother, a nurse, taught her that giving back wasn’t optional — it was essential.
“My mom always said if you can help somebody along the way, your living won’t be in vain,” Angela said. “You never know what angel you might be entertaining.”
That belief was tested through profound personal loss. Angela has endured the deaths of siblings, a devastating car accident that took her best friend’s life, and years of grief that followed. Through it all, service became a lifeline.
“Wellness isn’t just physical,” she said. “For me, serving others is mental health.”
Volunteering, according to Angela, is also about joy — connecting with people, making them feel seen and creating moments of light.
“If you’re not having fun volunteering, you’re in the wrong place,” she said. “Come hang out with me. We’ll find something you love.”
Mary Lynne’s path to volunteering began as a bedside nurse for tiny babies.
Mary Lynne spent 44 years working at Norton Children’s Hospital, beginning her career as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit. She cared for the smallest and most vulnerable patients, served on the neonatal transport team and eventually rose into leadership roles overseeing multiple units, including critical care, cardiac intensive care and transport services.
“I always wanted to take care of the tiniest patients,” she said. “That’s what drew me to nursing.”
When she retired, Mary Lynne wasn’t ready to step away from the mission. Volunteering became a way to continue caring for children — this time by supporting the programs and services that make that care possible.
“I’m not providing hands‑on care anymore,” she said. “But by volunteering and helping raise funds, I feel like I’m still providing care in a way.”
Like Angela, Mary Lynne recently learned she had surpassed 500 volunteer hours only when she was called into the foundation office and surprised with a certificate, balloons and a cookie cake.
“I had no idea,” she said. “It was very unexpected.”
Mary Lynne has volunteered at nearly every major foundation event, including Festival of Trees & Lights, Wings for Kids and the Home & BMW Raffle — which she enjoys because it allows her to talk with families and supporters about the hospital’s mission.
“Everything we do supports the children’s hospital,” she said. “That’s always been near and dear to my heart.”
Both women said volunteering offers something beyond service: connection. They’ve built friendships, shared laughter and found community among fellow volunteers who share the same purpose.
“You meet so many wonderful people,” Mary Lynne said. “Everyone can find their niche.”
Angela noted that volunteering is as much about paying attention as it is about giving time.
“If I see someone cold, I get them a blanket,” she said. “If someone looks like they need help, I try to help. That’s just who I am.”
Both women hope their stories inspire others to step forward.
“There’s something for everyone,” Mary Lynne said. “You just have to try.”
Angela’s advice is simpler — and delivered with her trademark enthusiasm.
“Don’t be scared,” she said. “Come hang out with me. We’ll have fun — and you’ll be doing something that really matters.”
Together, Angela and Mary Lynne represent the heart of volunteering: people who give not for recognition, but because service is woven into who they are. Their 500 hours are a testament to the power of showing up, caring deeply and lifting others along the way.
Various volunteer opportunities are available at events. Roles include setup, participant registration, raffle ticket sales, greeters and much more. To volunteer with Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation and Norton Healthcare Foundation events, apply here.