Collins named Saint Francis Bartlett Volunteer of the Year

Susan Collins joined Saint Francis HospitalBartlett as a volunteer in 2012. Her mother had recently passed away, and Susan was looking for a way to help people that were in need of comfort.

“To be honest, I really didn’t know what to expect. I probably should have asked that question before I joined,” Susan said with a smile. “But I am so glad I did it. I look forward to my time at the hospital each week. I am part of a great group of people and there’s really a joy in knowing that what I am doing is helping others.”

Because of Susan’s dedication to volunteer service, she was recently named the Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Volunteer of the Year.

“Susan’s caring, commitment, and compassion are special qualities,” said Jane Garrett, Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett manager of volunteer services. “She has gone above and beyond the call of duty by also serving as our auxiliary’s vice-president of ways and means. Susan has done a phenomenal job of organizing our fund raising projects.”

In 2015, Susan’s efforts played a major role in the auxiliary raising nearly $20,000. She planned events that included uniform, jewelry and poinsettias sales. In addition, Susan was the driving force behind “Volunteer Vittles,” a cookbook featuring recipes from the volunteer staff.

As a result of these fundraising efforts, the Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Auxiliary was able to purchase items that included educational materials for patients and their families, memory boxes for new mothers and a remodeling of the ICU waiting room.

“Raising money to help people is such a satisfying feeling,” said Susan. “It’s amazing to be around such a selfless group of volunteers that take such pride in what they do.”

Saint Francis HospitalBartlett’s 99 volunteers contributed nearly 17,000 hours of service in 2015.

Since the hospital opened in 2004, they have donated more than 190,000 service hours to the hospital.