Faye McNeill Named Volunteer of the Year

Long-time volunteer and President of the Auxiliary at George Regional Hospital, Ms. Faye McNeill was named Volunteer of the Year by the Mississippi Hospital Association. Since 1998, when the Auxiliary was first formed, Faye has led the volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy five days a week.

“The Auxiliary was first formed by Linda Holland and Millie Whilhite. They insisted I be the president and I’ve been here ever since,” explains Faye. The volunteers have many jobs throughout the hospital—from assisting patients and family to different departments throughout the hospital, to delivering flowers, to serving coffee as families wait for their loved ones, and even supplying pediatric patients with toys and coloring books. “It’s a blessing being able help the doctors and nurses with their patients,” Faye adds. “And the hospital makes us feel so special. They feed us a wonderful lunch each day, provide us with free flu shots, and we have a special luncheon every April.”

In 2013, the 30 plus active volunteers gave over 10,000 hours of volunteer service.

Throughout its 16 year history, Auxiliary members have raised thousands of dollars for much-needed equipment and services which have touched thousands of patients and their families. They host bake sales, book fairs, and sell cook books to raise funds.

Since 1998, the Auxiliary has provided:

• Monitors for the Emergency Room
• A power lift and converter chair for surgery
• Wheel chairs
• Rocking chairs for the nursery and recovery room
• Recliners for the intensive care unit
• Toys for pediatric patients

Their most recent gift to the hospital was three CPR mannequins—a toddler, a child, and an adult—which are used to teach the community life-saving skills. “We have a great group,” Faye says proudly “The time we spend at this hospital is such a fellowship for us—we definitely receive as much as we give.”