AUBURN - Auburn Memorial Hospital may have struggled through a recent time of financial difficulty, but its volunteers never wavered in their support.

Volunteers from teenagers to senior citizens can be found helping out in various capacities at the hospital. Judy Santillo, the director of Volunteer Services, knows first hand the value of a good volunteer program.

“I started out as a volunteer,” she said. “It went full circle for me, and it's been great. Usually volunteers sign up for a specific service. We have 25 different departments where they can help, plus the window shop.”

Santillo developed a program called the courier service, which was an expansion of the program where volunteers would wheel discharged patients to the hospital exit. Volunteers in the courier program, which requires two days of training, can help with many different hospital services, from running errands for the nursing staff to performing light clerical duties in the records department.

Being a volunteer isn't for everyone, especially in a hospital. Patients and their family members are often under stress or in pain. Santillo looks for people with the right kind of temperament when she interviews potential volunteers.

“I want someone willing to help out,” she said, “someone with a cheerful personality and good customer service skills. We have an important service here.”

The volunteers supplement the work of the professional staff, and Santillo says the hospital employees recognize that fact.

“Our staff is friendly and kind to the volunteers because they appreciate what they do,” she explained. “And our administration makes our volunteers feel like part of the place.”

The hospital has recently begun recognizing its volunteers on the anniversary dates of when they first started and is welcoming new volunteers.

Ten new volunteers signed up in June, and five signed up in August. Also in August Helen Losani celebrated 11 years in pre-admission testing, and Patrick Dunn, Mary Kelly, Shirley Marchitello and Doxie Sherman each celebrated three years or more of volunteer service.

“We have young people and retirees who want to keep busy,” Santillo said. “They add an extra level of care at the hospital. Sometimes visitors feel more comfortable asking a volunteer for information or directions than a staff member.”

Many of the younger volunteers have an interest of some kind in the medical field, and this is a good way for them to work in a full-service hospital, provide support for the health professionals and gain valuable experience.

While many not-for-profit organizations are desperate for volunteers, Auburn Memorial Hospital has been very fortunate.

“Our volunteers are respected here,” Santillo feels. “I have a great group of volunteers. Plus people call in and offer to help. I usually find a good fit for them. They have to give up three or four hours a week, so I want them to be happy.”

The volunteer page of the hospital Web site summarizes the role of volunteers in the hospital: “Volunteers at Auburn Memorial Hospital help support the hospital mission: 'to provide compassionate care to all patients.'”

Santillo is always welcome to inquires from prospective volunteers. The hospital Web site, auburnhospital.com, provides information about volunteer opportunities. Current vacancies are in the area of nutritional services, the information desk, the laboratory, radiology and courier services. Santillo may be contacted at 255-7350 or e-mail her at

jsantillo@auburnhospital.org.