As pandemic winds down, Oaklawn Auxiliary restoring volunteer opportunities

MARSHALL – After more than three years of restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Oaklawn Auxiliary are working to restore services to patients and visitors — and much remains to be done.

As a result, auxiliary leaders say many new opportunities exist for volunteer service among medical and support services at Oaklawn Hospital, which is a charitable nonprofit organization at 200 N. Madison St.

“We need to rebuild the auxiliary,” said Gloria Dempsey, a longtime volunteer who serves as the organization’s treasurer.

In-person auxiliary activities — including fundraisers — were canceled in March 2020 as the pandemic reached the level of nationwide concern. The organization was able to continue to award scholarships that year only via electronic contact with participants, she said.

The shutdown “meant there was not one volunteer working until about a year ago, and that was the gift shop, which was on and off again until recently,” Dempsey said.

Since 1951, the auxiliary’s duties had included welcoming patients and visitors at the information desks; staffing the gift shop; aiding staff or patients in departments such as the Oncology Clinic and Dialysis; making stuffed toys and tray favors; fund-raising; and assisting at special events such as blood drives, open houses and Oaklawn’s annual art show. 

To help bring such services back to the former levels, additional volunteers now are needed to assist with fundraisers, bolster staff at the hospital’s information desk and to reduce shift hours at the gift shop.

“As we get back to pre-pandemic times, there will be a need for help in all areas of the auxiliary,” she said.

Those interested in joining the auxiliary or who wish additional information may visit oaklawnhospital.org/volunteer or email President Nancy Tackett at calamityjane1@sbcglobal.com;

Sara Mead at Smead@oaklawnhospital.com; or Gloria Dempsey at dempseyduo@gmail.com.

In-person meetings are held the morning of the second Monday of each month in the Wright Medical Building at 215 E. Mansion St.

Auxiliary members often are able to offer patients and visitors guidance and support when it’s particularly needed, Dempsey said.

“Sometimes it is stressful for patients, caregivers, and family when they go to the hospital for whatever treatment they are there for so a friendly smile and a helping hand from the auxiliary makes the day a little better,” she said.