Geri Alejandro, volunteer manager at Cassia Regional Hospital, wanted to find a way to safely connect with hospital volunteers who’ve been on hiatus due to COVID-19 since March. She organized a unique drive-through event where volunteers could say hello to administration, get their questions answered, and receive their caregiver gift.
Ben Smalley and Geri Alejandro (outside car) with volunteers Eric Gallegos and Carol Leoni
“Our volunteers have been waiting for their point of return and we wanted to let them know how much we appreciate them and ask them to keep hanging in there with us,” says Geri. “Most of them we haven’t seen in person in months and we wanted to give them an opportunity to have a voice and meet with us in a socially-distanced way.”
Geri organized a two-hour event where volunteers could drive up and receive words of encouragement.
Ben Smalley, administrator at Cassia Regional, says, “We had the chance to say hello to our wonderful volunteers and thank them for their support of the hospital. There were smiles, laughs, and some tears. Our volunteers represent the heart and soul of what it means to be a caregiver at Cassia Regional.”
Geri organized a two-hour event where volunteers could drive up and receive words of encouragement.
Ben Smalley, administrator at Cassia Regional, says, “We had the chance to say hello to our wonderful volunteers and thank them for their support of the hospital. There were smiles, laughs, and some tears. Our volunteers represent the heart and soul of what it means to be a caregiver at Cassia Regional.”
Volunteer Layne Fuller road up to the event on his bike
Geri says more than half of the hospital’s volunteers attended the event — about 40 people. “We were able to answer their questions and personally visit with everyone because the flow of cars was usually just one at a time,” she says.
“Some of our volunteers were emotional,” Geri says. “We’re still in a time where people are staying home, so this was a big deal to be invited to meet with us. It was a nice opportunity to remind them we’re all in this together. We shared reminders to always wear masks in public, and reinforced those safety precautions we all need to keep doing.”
Geri says she’s currently working with Mike Rawlings, Intermountain’s director of volunteer services, along with other volunteer managers to find a safe way to bring back volunteers in phases.
“Some of our volunteers were emotional,” Geri says. “We’re still in a time where people are staying home, so this was a big deal to be invited to meet with us. It was a nice opportunity to remind them we’re all in this together. We shared reminders to always wear masks in public, and reinforced those safety precautions we all need to keep doing.”
Geri says she’s currently working with Mike Rawlings, Intermountain’s director of volunteer services, along with other volunteer managers to find a safe way to bring back volunteers in phases.
Volunteer Ilene Mai with Geri Alejandro
“We let them know our volunteer program isn’t going away — in fact we’re working on a plan to safely bring back volunteers to all our hospitals,” she says. “While we don’t have a timeframe yet, our volunteer managers across the system have been working hard with leadership on a plan. I think this was encouraging for them to hear.”
Geri says, “All the volunteers asked when they’ll be able to come back and expressed how much they missed us. Some of them even dressed up with their volunteer jackets and pins they’ve collected over the years.
“They also thanked and cheered on everyone who’s been here continuing to fight COVID-19 day after day. They’ve been thinking of the healthcare workers who’ve been going through this and they told us to hang in there too.”’
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Geri says, “All the volunteers asked when they’ll be able to come back and expressed how much they missed us. Some of them even dressed up with their volunteer jackets and pins they’ve collected over the years.
“They also thanked and cheered on everyone who’s been here continuing to fight COVID-19 day after day. They’ve been thinking of the healthcare workers who’ve been going through this and they told us to hang in there too.”’
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