Marion General Hospital is extremely proud of its volunteers – an extraordinary group of people who willingly perform countless services without pay. There are more than 270 volunteers associated with Marion General. They are here day after day, giving their time, talents and inspiration working throughout the hospital and grounds including Front doors and Information Desk – greeting and assisting visitors 363 days a year (they take off Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Eve through Christmas Day)

• Public relations – labeling and stuffing envelopes
• Gift Shop – selling flowers, candy and gifts
• Medical Library – organizing and shelving books and periodicals
• Mail & Flower room – organizing and delivering patient mail and flowers with a smile
• Surgery Waiting Room – preparing coffee and snacks for patient families
• Gardens and flower beds – planting the beautiful roses you see all around the hospital
• Fund raisers – raising money for renovations and equipment Four times a year as volunteers for the community Health Awareness Profiles
• Compiling data for nursing staff
• Clerical support for the Nutrition Services Department

and the list goes on and on….

If you are interested in becoming a Marion General Hospital volunteer, please click here for a mail-back form or call the Volunteer Services Department at (740)383-8682 or (740)383-8443.

History of Volunteer Services
In approximately 1920, during World War I, the Red Cross began providing volunteers to the City Hospital. They served as nurse aides, by helping patients, rolling bandages and many other essential functions. Since that time Marion General established its own Volunteer Services Department, but continues to utilize the help of Red Cross volunteers at the Front Desk, Mail & Flowers, Surgery Lounge and more.

TWIG
Have you ever wondered what TWIG means? No, it’s not a small limb from a tree, at least not at Marion General. TWIG at Marion General is an acronym for: Together We Inspire Giving
And, that is exactly what each of the TWIGs of Marion General Hospital does. In fiscal year 2004/2005, the various TWIGs generously donated more than $158,000 to MGH for supplies, renovations and community services. There’s really only one word we can use to describe our volunteers: INCREDIBLE!

TWIG I - Well Baby Clinic
Established in 1928, the group primarily served as a volunteer support group for MGH. In 1946, the need for a clinic to provide health care to well babies and children of Marion County was brought to the attention of the members of TWIG I. In 1950, with the assistance of Dr. Frederick Rea and many others, the TWIG I Well Baby Clinic opened its doors. Today’s clinic continues to serve the children of Marion in new and larger surroundings from the second floor of 205 W. Center St. Clinic hours are every Tuesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and from 1:00-3 p.m. The clinic provides FREE service to all children from birth through 5 years of age, regardless of their income. For more information, you can call the clinic at 740/382-0694. The majority of funds to operate the clinic are generated through the annual Charity Ball given by TWIG I on the second Saturday in December. Other fund-raisers throughout the year include uniform sales and personal donations.

TWIG II - Newborn/Pediatrics
Once known as the Junior Women’s Hospital Board, this TWIG was comprised primarily of daughters and daughters-in-law of the Senior Women’s Hospital Board or TWIG I. It was established in 1947 to assist the Senior Women’s Group, and assist with ongoing education and special programs. While the faces and names may have changed, TWIG II continues to provide an important service by donating much needed supplies to Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Emergency Department, Imaging and more. They purchase and distribute toys to our youngest patients; provide Memory Boxes for mothers who have suffered the loss of a newborn; provide toothbrushes and child bandages in the Emergency Department and much more. They raise funds through a community event, most recently the 9th Auction of the Greens.

TWIG III - Gift Shop
In 1956, the Senior and Junior Women’s Boards organized a Snack and Gift Shop. Over time, it was determined that this venture was successful enough to maintain on its own, and TWIG III was formed. In 1974, they were relocated to the main lobby and continued as a gift shop. In 2002, they remodeled and expanded to serve the community more effectively. TWIG III also coordinates the annual Gold and Silver Jewelry Sale. The funds raised through the operation of the Gift Shop and the Jewelry Sale are used to purchase equipment and help in various remodeling efforts. The Gift Shop is staffed seven days a week by more than 50 dedicated volunteers.

TWIG IV - Marion Board of Realtors
In September 1986, Marion General’s Quality of Life Hospice was created. In a very short time, the Marion Board of Realtors saw the need to help provide funding for this worthwhile cause and TWIG IV was established. Over the years, TWIG IV has sponsored an annual Hit-a-Ball for Hospice golf outing as well as two Remembrance Trees at Christmas. The Remembrance Tree was created as a means for individuals to recognize and remember a loved one or friend who has benefited from the Hospice program. The trees are displayed throughout the holiday season.

TWIG V
In 1956, nine very close members of the Pleasant High School graduating class decided they wanted to stay together as a group. They met on a monthly basis, but soon realized that this simply was not fulfilling. In 1958, these nine young women agreed that their time would be more productive serving a specific cause, so they chose Marion General Hospital and TWIG V was founded. They began by assisting in many events, but soon found their own place through telephone rentals to patients. When the hospital purchased its own phone system, TWIG V turned to the S.O.S. and K.I.S.S programs. Today, they continue to support MGH through a semi-annual book sale. Their generous donations help provide support for various hospital functions including S.A.N.E., and provide flowers for LPN and Paramedic graduates, as well as for patients on Mother’s and Father’s Day.

TWIG VI - Garden Club
Originally known as the Men’s Garden Club, this group was established in 1960. Their primary function is to provide and maintain the beautiful rose beds that surround the hospital. In 2004, as part of the Memorial Walkway and Gardens, TWIG VI planted approximately 350 rose bushes. TWIG VI sells mini roses each spring as a fundraiser. The group comprises more than 60 members, both men and women.

Teen Volunteer Program
The Teen Volunteer Program is presently conducted only in the summer. Students from area high schools, ranging in age from 14 - 18 (grades 9 - 12), are selected based on personal interviews, and work in many different areas of the hospital. In the 2005 program, we have 43 teen volunteers in 13 different departments.

If you are interested in becoming a Marion General Hospital teen volunteer, please click here for a mail-back form or call the Volunteer Services Department at (740)383-8682 or (740)383-8443.