For Bill and Kaye Trivette, volunteering and service are fundamental. In 2012, when they moved from Portland, Oregon to Gainesville, Georgia, a friend shared that she volunteered at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC).
“We almost immediately began volunteering at NGMC when we moved to Georgia and haven’t stopped since,” said Bill. “We volunteer weekly and enjoy making friends with fellow volunteers, employees and visitors.”
“Having served in a variety of volunteer roles, I most enjoy being a shuttle driver because I get to meet so many interesting people,” said Bill. “They are so appreciative because sometimes, coming to the hospital can be scary, anxiety-filled and complicated. As a driver, my main purpose is to offer rides, but I can also offer so much more. I help them navigate the campus and lend a listening ear if they need to talk. I find so much joy and fulfillment from what I do here.”
Bill and Kaye missed serving at the hospital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, they couldn’t be more thrilled to be back with their friends.
“When I saw the full parking lot after visitation restrictions were softened, I couldn’t stop smiling,” said Bill. “I thought, ‘How great is it to be back to this?’ I have so much fun.”
Kaye serves as a volunteer in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a “cuddler,” where she holds babies when their families aren’t actively visiting with them. She also serves in the Ronnie Green Heart Center as a liaison for families whose loved ones are having surgery. Her duties may include escorting them to other areas of the hospital, giving them updates on their loved one or simply offering a smile.
Bill and Kaye plan to volunteer for as long as they can – hoping to spread a little bit of their light onto others. Just as they have made an impact on so many people, each of those people have also made an impact on them.
“Volunteering makes me a better person,” said Kaye. “I go home so encouraged.”
Interested in volunteering?
Volunteers are the heart of NGHS. They are integral to our work and have a positive impact on patients, staff, and community members alike.