For anyone that worries volunteering will be boring, or those that aren’t sure what they could do, Joyce is an excellent role model. She’s taken something that she loves doing — sewing — and uses it to help others feel better.
What have you done as a volunteer?
The thing that I’ve always done and continue to do is be in the sewing group. My mother used to be in the sewing group, and I started in about 1980. I’ve always been a part of the sewing group and I’ve been in charge of it for 15 or 20 years now. I’ve been on the board, and I used to do a lot of computer work and kept track of stuff to help out. I really just sew now, and we’ve expanded our projects a lot.
What’s your favorite part of volunteering?
I think it’s good for everybody to volunteer doing something they like; sewing happens to be my thing. I almost never see the results. We don’t see people get a teddy bear or a heart pillow, but we know it’s helping.
What advice do you have for new volunteers?
Find your niche. I love to sew, but that might not be for everybody. There’s a lot of different things you can do at the hospital; some directly with patients and some not. There’s a way for you to help that you will enjoy or find fulfilling. You just have to find it.
Joyce has been sewing since she was a little girl, and has found joy in bringing comfort to patients through the years by doing something she loves.
