Department of Volunteer Services

Volunteers are at the heart of the medical center, enhancing the atmosphere of caring and concern. FHMC volunteers range from age 14 to retired seniors. They make a time commitment of at least four hours a week for at least three months, though many volunteers are at FHMC several times a week, and have been coming for as long as 30 years. In 1998, 276 adult and junior volunteers gave 41,761 hours of service to FHMC.

Gift Shop: A gift shop adjacent to the main lobby is operated by volunteers. Newspapers, magazines, books, candy, greeting cards, gift items and toiletries are available.

Candy Cart: A cart with newspapers and candy visits patient floors Monday through Friday mornings.

To become a volunteer, call 670-5439.

FHMC Auxiliary

The FHMC Auxiliary was founded in 1984 to render service to the medical center, promote the welfare of the hospital's patients, and assist in furthering the health of the community. More than one million dollars for patient care has thus far been contributed to FHMC through the Auxiliary's fund raising activities which include an annual luncheon and fashion show, a wide variety of sales, theater parties and other excursions, the Thrift Shop and Babies Alumni.

The Auxiliary purchased new ambulances in 1998 and 1999; and, also in 1999, 27 new wheelchairs were presented to the hospital. As a result of the Auxiliary's efforts in recent years, several grants were received from the United Hospital Fund for such activities as the emergency callback program and the elder enrichment program; and enhancements were made to many other patient care programs.

Thrift Shop: Open Monday and Wednesdays from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at 43-40 Parsons Blvd., the Thrift Shop recycles gently used clothing, household items, books and bric-a-brac. Donations of these and other gently used items are welcomed. Call 670-3166 for further information.

Babies Alumni: New mothers are invited to enroll their infants in the FHMC Babies Alumni. For a small annual fee, children are sent a birthday card each year.

Baby Pictures: The Auxiliary has arranged with a private company to take pictures of newborn infants. To have pictures taken of your child, speak with your nurse.

To find out more about the FHMC Auxiliary, or to become a member, call 670-5959.