The first glimpse of bluebirds is always a welcome sight in the Spring time.
At Freestone Medical Center (FMC), the blue welcoming committee has come a little early.
Beginning January 15, 2018, the volunteers of FMC, with their signature blue vests, have been greeting and assisting patients, and their families, as they visit the medical facility in Fairfield, Texas.
From high schoolers to retirees, these volunteers completed a two-hour training under the direction of Sherry Brackens.
The group assists with transporting patients to lab/x-ray, distribute newspapers and other reading materials, answer phones and transfer calls for the entire facility – helping in any way that will better serve visitors and patients.
Currently, the FMC volunteers operate Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The group hopes to eventually expand their hours.
“Our goal is to be able to provide valet parking,” says Brackens.
They would also like to operate a gift shop, and are working to apply as a 501(c)3 organization, according to Brackens.
A popcorn machine was recently donated to the volunteer group, which may be used for the patients.
Other donations would be welcome, including items to begin stocking a gift shop.
Brackens made special mention of their two youngest volunteers, Rileigh White and Kendall Crawford. “We are delighted to have them,” she says.
The high school students demonstrated their commitment by taking two shifts during the school holidays in January, and plan to work during their Spring Break.
Volunteers are also welcome. For more information, call 903-389-1612.
READY TO GREAT PATIENTS AND VISITORS to Freestone Medical Center are their official volunteers (left-right): Philip Ivy, Rileigh White, Kendall Crawford, Margie Conner, Martha Finney, Betty Jones, Aldess Bass, Amelia Williams, Pat Robertson, Sherry Brackens and Sydney Ivy. Not pictured is Jamie Falkner. (Photo by Karen Leidy)
