Canton-Potsdam Hospital volunteers enjoying an evening with peers, colleagues, and hospital administrators.

POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital is celebrating National Volunteer Week.

The hospital will honor its 132 patient relations volunteers who serve as greeters, spiritual care providers, gift shop managers and clerks, service excellence and patient safety advocates, as well as a variety of other support roles.

Volunteers have been supporting the hospital since it was established in the 1920’s.

Volunteers also include 20 members of the hospital’s board of directors, 17 members of the foundation board of directors, and 36 board members of the two hospital guilds. During 2012 volunteers logged more than 18,300 hours of service at the hospital.

“Our volunteers are an important part of providing exceptional care. Often the first point of contact for our patients and visitors, their warm smiles and caring personalities help even the youngest and most excitable patients feel safe and comfortable while they are here to heal,” said Lyndsay Macagg, volunteer coordinator.

“While we’ve been implementing new processes, technology and software at the hospital, our volunteers have not missed a beat. They understand the pace and support our goals,” said Macagg.

“Beyond donating their time to CPH, their generosity is felt throughout the North Country. Most recently, the group completed its first ‘Adopt a Platoon’ program supporting Fort Drum soldiers serving oversees,” she said.

More than 300 corporate members serve as ambassadors of the hospital and are invited to an annual corporate meeting in late May.

The hospital plans to hold a recognition reception and appreciation dinner, with an awards ceremony where volunteers will be recognized for dedicated service and long-standing commitment to healthcare.

Several hospital volunteers will reach milestone anniversaries this year, including Terry Rossi (25 Years), Joanne Foisy (20 Years), Mary Clary (15 Years), Donna Jean Bridgman (10 Years), Marni Brown (10 Years), Sandi DiGiovanna (10 Years), Shelley Mason (10 Years) and Kathy Warr (10 Years).

Five year volunteers include Kenny Ashley, Jim Barnes, Marge Barnes, Hank Domingos, Mary Enslow, Bob Gibbs, Bill Lewis, Trish Lewis, Emily Nolan, Mary Lynn Smith, Sherry Theobald, Walt Theobald and Claudette VanEss.