Throughout 2016, volunteers with St. Anthony Hospice served 30 patients and their families and donated 358 hours to sitting with patients as well as 35 hours helping with fundraising events. A special appreciation service was held recently, during which Mary Lux was named Volunteer of the Year for having served over 40 hours in direct patient care and aiding with the Tree of Love operation and set up. St. Anthony Hospice Volunteer and Bereavement Coordinator, Carmen Schimmer, says that Lux is purposeful and diligent in serving patients and their families and that she goes the extra mile to follow-up with hospice staff on observations and questions to better serve the patients. “I was both honored and surprised […] because we have so many volunteers who do great things,” Lux says. “If I am able to help someone during a time of need or make a difference in someone’s life, it is well worth the time spent giving back,” she adds. The late Howard Johnson was also recognized as the Honorary 2016 Volunteer of the Year for his contribution of 70 volunteer hours through July 2016. Johnson’s wife, Betty, accepted the award on his behalf.
