Throughout its history, Lawrence General has relied not only on the skills of its physicians and caregivers, but also the generosity of organizations and individuals from the community who give time and financial resources to help the Hospital fulfill its mission.

Under the direction of the Volunteer Services Coordinator, nearly 200 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds support the Hospital, assisting Hospital departments, staff members, and patients.

Some of the ways Lawrence General volunteers support the Hospital include:

• Offering support and assistance to staff, patients, and visitors on the nursing units, and in Radiology, Surgical Day Care, and the Emergency Department.
  
• Greeting visitors and providing directions in lobby reception areas.
  
• Helping deliver trays to patient floors with the Food & Nutrition staff.
  
• Serving as Patient Representatives, helping address needs of individual patients during their stay in the Hospital.
  
• Helping deliver mail to departments throughout the Hospital.
  
• Assisting with mailings, filing, and computer work in administrative offices.

Volunteering at Lawrence General provides individuals with the opportunity to meet new people and forge relationships that cross generations and cultures. Some give time to the Hospital as a way to show thanks for the care they or a loved one have received. Their service also helps them remain active, vital contributors to their community. For high school and college students, volunteering offers a rewarding chance to help others, while learning about careers in healthcare, and gaining exposure to a professional work environment.

Becoming a Volunteer
(Note: Candidates must be at least 14 years of age and currently in high school to serve as a Hospital volunteer.)

To learn more about what areas of the Hospital currently require support, contact Volunteer Services at 978-683-4000, extension 2645, to obtain a volunteer application by mail and schedule an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator. Once you have submitted an application and completed an interview, the Volunteer Services Coordinator will work to match your areas of interest and skills with the volunteer positions available around the Hospital.

Before new volunteers can begin their assignments in the Hospital, they must first:

• Complete a TB (tuberculosis) test at the Hospital’s Work Health and Travel Clinic
  
• Attend a 2-hour orientation to learn about the Hospital and important information on patient confidentiality and safety.

New volunteers may serve in more than one area, but are strongly encouraged to make a long-term commitment to at least one Hospital department or service on a regular basis.

For more information, contact Volunteer Services at (978) 683-4000, extension 2645.

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Auxiliary Mission
The Lawrence General Hospital Auxiliary is a dedicated group of friends from Lawrence and surrounding communities who assist the Hospital through a variety of revenue-generating projects, outreach activities and public relations efforts. The Auxiliary was founded in 1950 and continues, under the leadership of a Board of Directors, to be an invaluable asset to the Hospital. Auxiliary volunteers serve as hospital ambassadors within their respective communities - spreading the word about LGH’s services, successes and needs.

A Friend Raising Force
Through the many activities it organizes and sponsors, the Auxiliary has raised nearly 2.5 million dollars over the past fifty years. Funds have paid for vital medical equipment and major capital needs. Past Auxiliary gifts have enabled the Hospital to purchase diagnostic and monitoring equipment such as telemetry, cystoscopy and fetal ultrasound machines. Auxiliary donations have also funded important renovation and expansion projects including Intensive Care, Surgical Day Care, Coronary Care and Birthing Center construction.

Hospitality for Patients & Families
The Auxiliary oversees LGH’s Hospitality efforts, enhancing comfort and communication for patients and their families.

Together with the Hospital’s Birthing Center, the Auxiliary provides:

• Photography of infants born at the Birthing Center and secured posting of photos on the internet.
  
• Distribution of a colorfully embroidered bib for every newborn delivered in The Birthing Center.

Children’s Tours
Auxiliary members conduct tours for children from local pre-school programs throughout the school year. Children visit Hospital areas such as Radiology and the Pediatric Playroom, learn about medical equipment, try on surgical hats and masks and have a snack. The Children’s Tours program is designed to familiarize children with hospital settings and to make a potential hospital stay less frightening.

Breakfast with Santa
The Auxiliary sponsors “Breakfast with Santa” for the families of Hospital staff on the first Saturday of December. Employees and their children enjoy a continental breakfast and children share their holiday hopes with Santa Claus. The event also includes a raffle of prizes and a cash gift.

Thrift Shop - Quality for Less
The LGH Thrift Shop, located across General Street from the Hospital, sells new and gently used clothing and accessories to the public. Donated goods, many with designer labels still attached, are sold at very reasonable prices. Lawrence residents and hospital staff look forward to an annual sale of fine men¹s suits donated by a local merchant. The sale prices of all items are tax deductible for donors.

Thrift Shop Hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday	10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday	10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Thrift Shop In-Hospital Sale:

The Auxiliary selects choice items from the Thrift Shop and organizes a special sale day in the Hospital’s main lobby for staff and visitors. The sale is held twice a year on the first Friday of December and in the spring.

Auxiliary Meetings - Mingle, Learn, Join
The Auxiliary hosts an annual luncheon in June and a breakfast in the fall. Prospective Auxiliary members are invited to learn about the good works of the Auxiliary, hear an update on the latest Hospital programs and services and find out how they can help.

Auxiliary Board of Directors
The Auxiliary Board of Directors meets the first Thursday of each month from October through June.

Officers:

President:	Stephanie Callahan, Andover
Vice President, Community Outreach:	Suzi Pendergast, Andover
Vice President, Communications:	JoAnne Lilly, Andover
Secretary:	Karen Slosek, North Andover
Treasurer:	Joanne Rico, North Andover

For more information about joining the Lawrence General Hospital Auxiliary, contact the Hospital Volunteer Office at 978-683-4000, ext. 2645.

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