UNC Health Johnston celebrates its volunteers

UNC Health Johnston celebrated its 141 hospital, hospice and chaplain volunteers during a recent appreciation luncheon at the Johnston Agricultural Center. Last year, the men and women gave 21,795.45 hours of their time, valued by the Independent Sector at $758,263.71.

During his remarks, CEO Tom Williams said volunteers extend the reach of employees, make spaces more welcoming and help set the tone. “When a patient or family member meets a volunteer who is attentive and respectful, they feel the culture of this organization,” he said. “You bring heart to everything you do.”

Four volunteers received special awards.

Georgia Pilkington and Linda McKeel received the Sue Archambault Award for exemplary volunteerism at the Smithfield and Clayton hospitals.

Pilkington, a volunteer of 24 years, has led fundraisers, run the gift shop and served as president. She now volunteers at the medical oncology clinic in Smithfield.

“She offers unwavering service, quiet leadership and a deep commitment to caring for others,” said Loren Dean, volunteer services coordinator. “The generosity of her time has made a lasting difference.”

Linda McKeel, a volunteer of 11 years, started out at the front desk in Clayton before taking on the task of assembling inpatient folders.

“Her attention to detail ensures that every patient receives the information and resources they need upon arrival,” Dean said. “She goes above and beyond to maintain adequate inventory, making certain that supplies are always on hand.”

Sandi Gregory, a volunteer at the SECU Hospice House, received the Hospice Angel Award for lifting spirits and touching lives. She guides and helps train new volunteers and is always willing to take on additional projects, said Lesley Richmond, hospice volunteer and development coordinator for the Johnston Health Foundation. “Her reliability and dedication make a meaningful difference every single day.”

Roger Williams, a chaplain volunteer, received the Overa S. Stevens Award for faithful service. He is a student at the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“He’s determined, kind, compassionate and supportive,” said the Rev. Matt McFarlin, the clinical chaplain who oversees chaplain volunteers. “He’s always ready and willing to offer compassionate care and comfort to those in need.”

Numbers help tell the story 

While it’s hard to capture the impact of volunteers with numbers alone, they help tell the story, said CEO Tom Williams. Over the past year, the service of volunteers translated into real comfort, real resources, and real moments of relief for patients and families.

Here are a few highlights:

• Volunteers spent $18,000 from Gift Shop proceeds to support patient care—helping fund items that make a direct difference at the bedside.
• Sewed up 907 comfort pillows for post-surgical patients and 202 fidget quilts for hospitalized patients—items that provide calm, dignity, and a sense of being cared for.
• Invested in the next generation of caregivers by awarding $1,000 scholarships to 12 local students entering health care fields.
• Supported 551 hospice patients and families—helping with the many details that keep the hospice house running.
• Helped oncology patients move through the day with less stress—running more than 6,000 lab bags, and serving snacks and lunch while offering steady, compassionate support to more than 9,500 patients.
• Golf cart drivers help create a safe, welcoming first impression—guiding patients and visitors across campus, assisting those with mobility challenges, and keeping the carts ready and in good working order.
• Chaplain volunteers answer calls on nights, weekends, and holidays—when families may be facing the hardest moments of their lives. Their quiet presence, listening, and support bring comfort and steadiness when it’s needed most.

Pictured: At far left and right, Tom Williams, CEO, and David Mills, chairman of the UNC Health Johnston board of directors, accept a check for the value of volunteer hours. At center, from left, are clinical chaplain Matt McFarlin and volunteer coordinators Loren Dean and Lesley Richmond.