Why do you volunteer?
After semi-retiring from ranching in Perkins County, I was looking for an opportunity to meet people and get involved in the community. I was invited to join the hospital auxiliary and joined in 2013. I started volunteering in the gift shop because I had seen how nice it was, and I thought it would be a fun thing to do.
How did you end up managing the gift shop?
The lady who was running it asked me to take it over as she said she was running short on time to keep it up. I thought about it for a while and decided to go for it. That was in 2016. It has really been fulfilling, and I’ve really enjoyed it.
What is your favorite part of volunteering?
I enjoy seeing all the customers, especially as many of them are Monument Health caregivers.
I also enjoy stocking the store and having different items available for people.
How does the Sturgis gift shop benefit Monument Health?
Our funds have been used for scholarships, we’ve helped remodel a room in the nursing home as well as the beauty shop and we donate to other community interests outside Monument Health as well. The purpose of the gift shop is for local fundraising.
Why do you think it’s important to give back to your community?
It keeps the community together. It helps those in need and helps promote Monument Health, which is great, because Monument Health is so important to our communities when you look at how many people it serves and all the services it offers.
