LCMC Celebrates Its Hundreds of Volunteers

Thirty-one. That’s how many years one family of volunteers, spread out over four generations, has been serving patients, visitors, residents and staff of Lake City Medical Center – Mayo Health System (LCMC).

It all started back in the 1980s when LaVonne Fick joined LCMC’s Auxiliary.

“I joined and started volunteering when I retired because I knew it was a worthwhile organization,” says Fick. “We do so much good for the community, and it’s an opportunity to care for people.”

Auxiliary members volunteer in various capacities. Among many, they include directing patients and visitors, helping staff complete projects, making quilts, hosting fundraising events to raise money for items such as new waiting room furniture, serving meals and participating in activities with residents.

LaVonne’s daughter, Cheryl Huettl, followed suit 15 yearslater.

From left to right, back row: Amy and Katy Bolduc

Front row, left to right: LaVonne Fick and Cheryl Huettl

“My mother always talked about the Auxiliary and inspired me to join when I retired from teaching,” Huettl says. “What I enjoy the most is all of the many opportunities to help and the option to be as busy as I want to be.”

Huettl has been heavily involved in Auxiliary projects ever since. In fact, she recently served as president. In addition to the Auxiliary, Huettl oversees Tele-Care. Subscribers to this free program call a special number every morning to report to volunteers they are OK. Volunteers call subscribers who do not call on their own to ensure their continued well-being.  

Huettl’s daughter, Amy Bolduc, joined the Auxiliary three years ago. Although she works full-time at Huettl’s Locker and Dressing Plant, she finds time to help.

The most recent addition to this giving team is 13-year-old Katy Bolduc.

“My daughter has been in a number of times this year helping me with different projects such as putting together orientation packets,” says Bolduc. “It’s fun having four generations of family volunteer together.”

“We feel fortunate and take pride that our whole family can serve others this way,” adds Huettl.

While having four generations of one family volunteering for the same organization at the same time may be somewhat of a distinction, finding volunteers at LCMC on any given day is a frequent occurrence.  LCMC has approximately 300 individual volunteers and numerous others who represent their respective service groups.

“The work our volunteers do directly or indirectly enhances the experiences of our patients and residents,” says Cheri Kramer, chief administrative officer of LCMC. “We are very grateful and sincerely appreciate all of their efforts.”

In 2008 alone, LCMC volunteers spent approximately 4,000 hours helping around the medical center. In addition to the Auxiliary projects, some of their efforts included relaying messages to waiting family members, preparing and filing charts, and delivering meals. In the nursing home, volunteers enhanced the lives of residents by riding the bus with them to tour Christmas lights, going shopping or sightseeing. Many volunteers spend time with residents by playing bingo, cards or the Nintendo Wii, and accompanying them for walks. Many also decorated for holidays.

“In order to provide all of the services offered by our volunteers, we would have to hire additional staff,” Kramer says. “So not only is the work of our volunteers making a difference in the lives of others, but it’s also a significant financial savings for the medical center.”

Each year in April, as part of National Volunteer Week, LCMC recognizes its volunteers at a recognition event. This year’s event took place on April 21 at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing.

“We don’t do it to be acknowledged. Doing the work is satisfying enough and rewarding,” says Fick. “But the annual recognition is a nice gesture that hopefully encourages others to volunteer as well.”