CONCORDIA — For the 37th consecutive year, North Central Kansas Medical Center (NCKMC) Volunteers have received the Hospital Volunteers of Kansas Gold Award of Excellence at the Hospital Auxillaries of Kansas (HVK) state convention in Wichita. The state organization has changed its official name from HVK to Hospital Volunteers of Kansas. Shirley Van Loenen, HVK state president, and Jean Buoy, District 3 coordinator, presented the 2024 awards. NCK Medical Center volunteers who were present to accept the award were Pam Campbell, Director of Volunteer Services, Rita Goodwin, and Jean Buoy.
The Gold Award of Excellence is earned by completing nine requirements during the year. These requirements involve a great deal of time, effort, and hard work on the part of many members. Once or twice a year, NCK Medical Center Volunteers provide and serve meals to blood donors when the Bloodmobile comes to Concordia. The Volunteers awarded four scholarships in 2024 to students entering a healthcare field of study. The Gift Shop, located on “Main Street” of the hospital, sells cards and gifts for many occasions and has recently added new fall items.
The Volunteers hosted several fundraisers, including linen sales, Fall Fest bake sale, Collective Goods sale and scrub sales. They also adopted five families at Christmas and conducted many other activities. Anyone interested in helping the Volunteers (formerly Auxiliary) may contact Marilyn Flesher, president, or any Volunteer member.
“Our volunteers are the heart of NCK Med,” said Dave Garnas, NCK Medical Center administrator. “We’re so grateful for their time, compassion and dedication!”
