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Published on August 04, 2023

Tidelands Health honors its dedicated volunteers

Norma Munoz shows up at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital several times a week eager to give back.

A volunteer at Tidelands Health since 2017, she takes her volunteer work running the hospital gift shop seriously.

“Being a volunteer in any department is rewarding,” Munoz said. “I love my volunteer position.”

This week, the not-for-profit health system showed appreciation to all its volunteers during special events in Georgetown and Murrells Inlet.

“Our dedicated volunteers fill important roles in our health system supporting our mission to help people live better lives through better health,” said Caitlyn Krask, manager of student and volunteer programs. “We are grateful for their time, talent and positive spirit in giving back to our patients, supporting our team members and serving our community and health system. The efforts of our volunteers complement the hard work of our team members. Our loyal volunteers are an asset to all of us.”

Volunteers perform a variety of duties at Tidelands Health, including assisting team members with general tasks, visiting patients, greeting visitors, supporting the pre-admission office and staffing the gift shop.

Though they fill volunteer roles, those who serve look forward to their shifts and take their responsibilities seriously. They arrive on time and often log as many hours in a week as a part-time employee.

But many, like volunteer Rick Randall, get just as much out of it as they put in. A valet at Tidelands Waccamaw, Randall offers golf car rides through the parking lot to those arriving and leaving the hospital. Retired from PPG Industries, Randall started volunteering nearly five years ago – a perfect role for him because he gets to be outside and meet people.

“Many people have told me their life story in the brief minutes we are together,” Randall said. “I have learned that I am fortunate to have my health, because there are many I have met who are not in good health or a friend or family member is suffering. Many people are just very thankful we are there to transport them.”

Munoz found her niche in the gift shop at Tidelands Waccamaw. Like Randall, she enjoys meeting people and helping them find a thoughtful gift for their loved one in the hospital.

“This is my place away from home,” Munoz said. “I love working in the gift shop, always meeting people, helping them pick out gifts for maybe a newborn or just flowers for a new mom, something for a sick person – maybe a happy face balloon to cheer them up. I enjoy getting new merchandise and putting it out. I get so excited to see what’s new for our displays.”

Want to volunteer at Tidelands Health? Click here to learn more.

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Tidelands Health, in collaboration with MUSC Health, is the region’s largest health care provider, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 70 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.