WELLSVILLE, N.Y. — Liz Billings, 65, has volunteered at the gift shop inside Jones Memorial Hospital as a member of its auxiliary for about 10 years.

"I just like being out and about with people. New grandparents, new dads getting baby clothes, flowers for mom and candy. They love to get the candy for mom," said Liz.

What You Need To Know

  • Once the pandemic hit, hospitals limited who could enter and that included volunteers

  • Hospitals like the one in Wellsville have put out the call for volunteers

  • Volunteers are needed in gift shops, food services and other areas of patient care

But when COVID hit, auxiliary members like Liz and the hospital's many other volunteers were out for a job.

"Just shortly after COVID hit I had family members who were diagnosed with cancer, so it was a very challenging time not only with COVID but with everything else we were facing," said Liz.

Liz came back to the gift shop in September 2022.

"Felt like we were starting to get back to normal but we still had to go through all the screening and wearing our mask, and it was a challenge, but at least it was a new challenge that we could meet head-on," said Liz.

Hospital leaders, like many across the state, recently announced they're looking to rebuild their volunteer base and welcome them back to the facility.

Human Resources Director Kris Green says volunteers play a crucial role in patient care.

"These are community-minded people. Our hospital plays a crucial role in this area. And these are people that really want to give back to their community. This is a great way for them to do that," said Kristopher Green, human resources director at Jones Memorial Hospital.

The hospital has already received a number of new applications and is also contacting former volunteers pre-pandemic to invite them back.

Green says volunteers could serve as greeters or perhaps help out in areas like the cafeteria.

"We're looking at ways, common sense ways to reintegrate community members that want to help out here at Jones into those departments again," said Kristopher.

Kris stopped in the gift shop to catch up with Liz, who encourages others to volunteer or join the auxiliary as well.

"It's community-minded and you get to see a lot of people interact with them and gives you a little more perspective on everyday life outside of your own," said Liz.

The hospital already has a couple of volunteers ready to go and looks to welcome a few more in April.

For those in and around Allegany County who want to sign up, click here.

Others across the state who want more information about volunteering can log on to their local hospital's website.