McCurtain Memorial Hospital Auxiliary names new officers

IDABEL – Nov. 3, 2008 - The McCurtain Memorial Hospital Auxiliary named its new officers for 2009-2010 at its monthly meeting on Oct. 28.

Taking Amie Bookout’s place as president will be Marie Sharp. She said she plans to “spread the wealth” of volunteer opportunities among members willing to take on certain tasks. “The little things we do make it more fun,” Sharp said.

Other officers elected at the meeting include: Vice President Johnnie Wallace, Secretary Muriel Overstreet, Treasurer Louise Stewart, Historian Jennifer Wooten and Parliamentarian Amie Bookout.

The Auxiliary’s “Pink Ladies” are a familiar and welcome sight around the hospital. So named for their trademark pink smocks, these two dozen volunteers greet hospital visitors, guide them to their destinations and operate the gift shop adjacent to the hospital’s main entrance.

Proceeds from gift shop sales and other fund-raising activities are used to buy equipment for the hospital. The Pink Ladies also provide a $50 savings bond to the first baby born at McCurtain Memorial Hospital each year, and send Christmas cards to hospital employees. This and many other “little things” provide much needed support to the hospital staff, patients and visitors.

“We’re here to be of service to the hospital and the people that come in,” Bookout said. “I feel a need, I think our hospital needs this support. They do so much good for our county. And every penny we make in that gift shop gets turned back to the hospital for equipment.”

The Auxiliary recently presented $5,000 to the hospital, and this was after raising funds for the hospital’s new walking trail. The group is hoping to provide funding to purchase baby cribs and monitors for the maternity ward.

Bookout said the willingness of volunteers to spend their time at the hospital “really makes our auxiliary special.” People like Louise Stewart, one of the longest serving members with 27 years, provide inspiration for the rest of the group.

“It’s a good feeling I get meeting up with other people. It’s a godly feeling,” Stewart said. She also is a cancer survivor, but this also inspires her to give back: “He carried me through all that, so I feel I need to return something to Him.”

Dell Gamble lost her husband 10 years ago, and called her Auxiliary experience “a lifesaver.” She has logged the most hours among current Auxiliary members.

The McCurtain Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is one of dozens of volunteer opportunities in the county affiliated with the Little Dixie CAA Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). This program provides insurance for active volunteers as well as other means of support. For more information about Little Dixie RSVP, contact McCurtain County Coordinator Mary Kathryn Hodge at 286-9348.