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Jackie Ferman
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November 8, 2004 -- St. Louis Children's Hospital has awarded fifty people with the distinguished President's Volunteer Service Award, a national honor in recognition of volunteer service.
The award is available annually to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering. As one of hundreds of Certifying Organizations participating in the program, St. Louis Children's Hospital offers the honor to recognize the outstanding achievements and contributions its volunteers make throughout the hospital.
"America's volunteers work to make our communities stronger and safer," says Kim Crosby, director of guest services. "St. Louis Children's Hospital is proud to be aligned with this prestigious volunteer award, and even more proud of the volunteers who have made the hospital's mission - to do what's right for kids - a central part of their lives."
Adults are eligible after completing 100 hours of community service; families or groups of two or more people are eligible after 200 hours.
Jon Wooden of Alton, IL, exceeded those requirements by giving more than 500 hours of his time in the last two years.
"I'm really not after the recognition," explains Wooden, "but when it does come it's humbling because it's such an honor to come to one of the top children's hospitals in the world and make an impact and change people's lives."
Wooden's daughter was hospitalized as a baby with spinal meningitis. Wooden remained by her side. As the evening hours approached and other children's parents went home, the kids would gather in his daughter's room and Wooden would read to them and they'd play together. Seeing how much joy and comfort he gave them helped make his mission clear.
"I'm not looking to do anything miraculous," he says. "Very rarely do you have an opportunity to do something great, but every day we're surrounded by opportunities to do little things."
And his daughter, now 18, volunteers, too. "When you raise your children you hope you impart good values," says Wooden. "I think when you see your kids using these values, giving of their time, it's nice when you can impact them in a positive way."
Volunteering, according to Wooden, is not about how much you can do. In fact, he feels the most impact from the small gestures. "Sometimes it's something as simple as sitting with a child long enough for his parents to go downstairs to the cafeteria, or take a walk and get a cup of coffee without having to worry about their child. If I can do that, it's been a good night."
The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation created the President's Volunteer Service Award program as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service . "This type of recognition is also designed to set a standard for every American," says Crosby," to encourage a sustained commitment to helping others and a lifelong habit of service."
St. Louis Children’s Hospital has provided specialized care for children for 125 years. Children’s Hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, ranked the second best medical school in the country by US News & World Report. In 2003, Child magazine ranked St. Louis Children’s Hospital sixth on its list of the 10 Best children’s hospitals in the country, and fourth in neonatology/neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). St. Louis Children’s Hospital also is a member of BJC HealthCare.