Published: March 15, 2024

Norton Clark Hospital is looking for individuals who would like to give back in return for fellowship, respect and a sense of purpose. These are the common themes among volunteers who give their time at the hospital.

Jeffersonville native Nicole Ruoff helps provide direction to visitors in the hospital’s main lobby. She enjoys helping people and getting out of the house once a week.

“Having had many surgeries myself, I always wanted to work for a hospital,” Ruoff said. “The hospital’s mantra ‘There is no limit to what our care can do,” speaks to me as a person with unique abilities. “I can do most things able-bodied people can do, just in a different way.”

The gift shop is staffed by a treasure trove of volunteers who enjoy spending time with each other and speaking to visitors buying things for a new baby, a friend going through rough times or a family member needing encouragement. Kay McCulloch has volunteered in many areas of the hospital, including the gift shop, along with her husband, Buddy.

“He likes organizing items in storage, and I like talking to hospital visitors looking for special items in the gift shop,” Kay McCulloch said. “It’s a nice balance spending time out of the house for a few hours a week, but we’re always looking for extra hands.”

Carol Wooding assists visitors in the surgery family waiting area.

“I love to be able to help families who are worried and don’t know what to expect while [they are] waiting for their loved ones to come out of surgery,” she said. “It is an emotional time for most people, and being the smiling face to help calm fears and provide updates is very rewarding. When you help someone else, you are helping yourself. It’s good for the soul.”

Norton Clark Hospital volunteers give the best of themselves in support of others.

“Volunteers support many departments within our facility and can make a huge impact on our patients and visitors,” said Evan Stoner, manager, volunteer services, Norton Clark Hospital. “Now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted, we need more volunteer greeters and comfort rounders, as well as help with clerical services, the gift shop and other areas. Between July and early August, we welcome high school and college student volunteers through our student volunteer program.”

Norton Clark Hospital is not-for-profit, so gift shop proceeds benefit the Norton Healthcare Foundation, which supports many hospital initiatives to help provide medical care for the community, such as new equipment, programs and education.

If you are considering volunteering or would like to learn more, visit NortonHealthcare.com/Ways-To-Help/Volunteer or email evan.stoner@nortonhealthcare.org.