ATHENS,
Ohio (April 6, 2000) -- Thousands of Ohio University students and Athens
residents will join communities across the country to recognize the
contributions of their volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April
9-15. The Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) invites
you to salute volunteers in Athens and across America for the much needed
and appreciated service contributions that they make.
OU-COM's volunteer program is in its 17th year, with approximately
15 active volunteers at the current time. Volunteers work in Parks Hall at
the University Osteopathic Medical Center, in offices in Grosvenor, on The
Ridges and the Medical Office Building at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital as
well as the Coolville and Nelsonville Square Medical Centers, providing
office services, medical record assistance, greeting patients and answering
any questions.
"It's a credit to the program that most of our current volunteers
have been with us many years," said Nancy Schell, coordinator of community
health presentations. "Our volunteers provide many important services to the
staff and patients. Their work is greatly appreciated, but more importantly,
their warmth, insight and sense of humor add so much to make the areas where
they work special. We consider them part of the staff."
In addition to local events, national recognition ceremonies are
planned for the week. The President's Service Awards are traditionally
presented at the White House during this time, and USA Weekend features
volunteerism in its Sunday issue occurring within National Volunteer Week.
Several national events aim to connect young people to service projects in
their communities during the Week. National Youth Service Day, planned and
executed by Youth Service America, takes place April 14-15, and volunteers
will also be participating in Nickelodeon's annual "The Big Help" throughout
the week.
President Richard Nixon established National Volunteer Week
in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every succeeding President
has signed a Presidential Proclamation supporting the week and promoting
volunteer efforts.
"America was built on the spirit of volunteerism. Without the
efforts of millions of volunteers who give their time to help others in
their communities, our country would be a different place," said Robert K.
Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation. Goodwin noted
that volunteer community service is everyone's responsibility, calling upon
each individual to make a difference. "Saying, 'I must do something' will
always solve more problems than simply saying 'something must be done,'" he
added.
"OU-COM is always looking for new volunteers to assist our busy
departments. I invite anyone interested to contact me at (740) 593-2293,"
Schell said. "In addition to offering many gratifying opportunities for
service, our volunteers are provided free lunches, quarterly lunch meetings
with guest speakers and are included in many OU-COM staff events."
