Fort Sanders Regional is fortunate to have a family of volunteers possessing a wide range of talents and experience. Whether they are greeting visitors, escorting patients, comforting a family in time of need or helping in the gift shop, our volunteers are known for their devotion to others. Since 1955, the Fort Sanders Volunteer Auxiliary has provided a smiling face, a caring ear, and a heartfelt hug to thousands of patients and visitors. But the Auxiliary also provides monetary support for many hospital departments and patients through annual sales and fundraising initiatives.
According to Paula Minhinnett, Volunteer Coordinator, the contributions of the Auxiliary are tremendous. “In the past 56 years – since records have been kept – members of the Fort Sanders Auxiliary have donated over one million hours of service, totaling a value of over $12,000,000 in time and energy on the hospital’s behalf,” says Minhinnett. “And fundraising efforts consistently add tens of thousands of dollars each year which helps departments in our facility purchase much needed equipment or services.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities at Fort Sanders Regional, contact the Fort Sanders Volunteer Auxiliary at (865) 541-1249.
A Variety of Volunteer Programs at Fort Sanders
Whether your passion is music, ministry or animals, Fort Sanders Regional offers several excellent volunteer programs:
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Heartstrings: A musical group that entertains patients and visitors each month.
- Fellowship Center: Volunteers who assist those staying in Fort Sanders’ hospitality house for the families of patients from outside the region.
- HABIT (Human Animal Bonding In Tennessee): Pet owners who share the unconditional love of a pet with patients and caregivers.
- Stephen Ministers: Lay ministers who provide spiritual sup¬port to patients and caregivers.
- Mended Hearts: Volunteers offer hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers.
- Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center Visionaries: Former patients help current patients by reading to them, helping them write letters, and provid¬ing conversation and friendly company.
- Student Junior Volunteers: High School and college students share their special gifts and energy with hospital patients and staff.
“Only a life lived in service of others is worth living.” – Albert Einstein